The third leading cause of unintentional home injury-related death is fires and burns. Nearly 90 percent of all fatalities due to a burn or inhalation injury are associated with residential fires. You can protect your family by following these easy steps:

1. Store minimal gasoline in garage. Keep tightly sealed and out of reach of children. Never store indoors, because of highly flammable vapors.
2. Do not store gasoline in a garage where there is an appliance with a pilot light.
3. Be careful not to overload electrical outlets, extension cords and power strips.
4. Check all wires and cords for damage and cover all unused electrical outlets.
5. Keep volatile chemicals, such as fertilizers and turpentine, in their original containers in a locked storage area in the garage.
6. Dispose of flammable materials, including old newspapers, excess clothing and dirty rags.
7. Mount a fire extinguisher in the garage area. Adults in the home should be trained on how to use it.
8. Develop a fire escape plan and conduct drills twice annually with all family members.
9. Install a working smoke alarm in the garage and test it regularly.

Take Special Care with Combustibles

10. Follow safety recommendations for usage, such as wearing gloves and masks.
11. Do not mix products to avoid risk of explosion.
12. Store pool chemicals according to manufacturer's instructions. Read and follow usage instructions.
13. Store chemicals in locked cabinets out of sight and out of reach of children.
14. Store chemicals in original containers. Check for proper sealing.
15. Keep products dry and isolated from other chemicals and products.

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