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The Office of Community Safety: Building a community safety ecosystem for a safe and thriving Minneapolis |
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Fire Prevention Month – Every Second Matters
 In a fire, every second matters. Just a few seconds can determine whether you escape safely or face tragedy. Fire Prevention Awareness Month in October is a great time for residents, community members and businesses to learn ways to prevent fires, review safety tips, and refresh fire safety plans.
While every aspect of fire safety is important, this year’s fire prevention theme focuses on lithium-ion batteries, which are commonly found in phones, tools, laptops, and more.
Buy only listed products
Do your research on products. Look for a stamp from a nationally recognized testing lab on the packaging and product. This shows it meets the necessary safety standards.
Charge devices safely
Always follow charging instructions from the manufacturer and don’t overcharge your device. Never charge a device under a pillow, on a bed, or on a couch – this could cause a fire.
Recycle batteries responsibly
Don’t throw lithium-ion batteries in the trash or regular recycling bins, as they could cause a fire. A safe battery recycling location is the best way to dispose of them. Find a recycling center near you.
Fire Prevention Month and Week are about more than just batteries. It’s an opportunity to revisit all the basics about fire safety.
The best way to stop a fire is to learn how to prevent it. In your home:
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Make a safety plan
Everyone should develop a fire safety plan in their home or workplace.
- Designate a safe meeting spot outside your home
- Ensure everyone in the household knows the escape routes
- Teach your children how to call 911 and have them memorize your address
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Learn more about creating a fire escape plan
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Check smoke detectors
Smoke detectors should be installed in every bedroom, outside each sleeping area, and on every level of the home – including the basement. They should be tested regularly and replaced every 10 years.
Install a carbon monoxide detector
Carbon monoxide detectors should be installed near each sleeping area.
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Keep hydrants unobstructed
Always keep the area around fire hydrants clear.
- With winter coming, make sure to shovel around them so firefighters can access them whenever needed.
- Don’t park in front of a hydrant. Blocking them can delay water access for the firefighters’ response to an fire emergency.
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Heater safety in your home
As the weather gets colder, heating equipment is one of the leading causes of home fires.
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Keep space heaters at least 3 feet from anything that can burn.
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Plug heaters directly into the wall, not into extension cords.
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Have your furnace, chimney, and vents inspected before the winter season.
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Cooking safety
Cooking fires are the leading cause of home fires and fire injuries.
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Stay in the kitchen when you are cooking. If you leave the kitchen for even a short period of time, turn off the stove.
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Keep children away from cooking areas by enforcing a “kid-free zone” of 3 feet around the stove.
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Barbecue grills should be at least 10 feet away from siding and deck railings, and out from under eaves and overhanging branches.
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Enjoy your fall bonfires safely
Cool fall nights are perfect for gathering around a fire – but remember to keep your backyard bonfires safe and legal.
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Fires in Minneapolis must be under 3 feet wide and 2 feet high, kept 25 feet from buildings, and surrounded by a nonflammable barrier.
- Recreational fires are only allowed between 9 a.m. and 10 p.m.
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Only use natural cut wood – never trash – and always supervise your fire.
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Skip fires on windy days and when smoke blows directly at a neighbor’s house. Remember to be kind – don’t burn if your neighbor has health issues.
- Burn only when wind speeds are less than 10 mph and do not burn during air pollution advisory days.
Recreational fire resources
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Keep an eye on candles and décor
With the holiday season approaching, here are a few reminders to keep your celebrations safe.
- Never leave a burning candle unattended.
- Keep candles at least 12 inches away from anything flammable.
- Consider flameless candles for decoration.
- Make sure holiday lights and extension cords are in good condition.
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Take a quiz to test your fire safety knowledge. If you have children, have them take the quiz with you. It’s a great way to start the conversation about fire safety.
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For reasonable accommodations or alternative formats, please contact 311 at 612-673-3000.
People who are deaf or hard of hearing can use a relay service to call 311 at 612-673-3000. TTY users call 612-263-6850.
Para asistencia, llame al 311. Rau kev pab 311. Hadii aad Caawimaad u baahantahay 311.
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