OKCFD Recommends Ways To Fire Proof Homes During Coronavirus Quarantine

With many people quarantined at home due to COVID-19, the Oklahoma City Fire Department is recommending using the time to fire-proof your home and come up with fire safety plans.

“A lot of people have a little bit more time on their hands maybe than usual, and they’re sitting around the house looking for things to do. It’s a great time to think about fire safety,” Oklahoma City Battalion Chief Benny Fulkerson said.

Fulkerson recommended first checking your smoke alarms, clearing any dust from the device to ensure it is working properly.

He also suggested checking electrical cords around the house.

“Go around and look at all those cords and make sure they’re not frayed, or the insulation is not damaged in any way,” Fulkerson said.

Firefighters often respond to incidents involving dryers, according to Fulkerson. There are some ways to help prevent these fires.

“I think most people probably clean the lint traps, hopefully before or after they do a load of laundry. But, how often do they get back behind the dryer and clean out the lint from the flexible tubing behind the dryer? This is a good time to start thinking about doing many of those things,” Fulkerson said.

Fulkerson also recommends testing that windows open properly, cleaning out the grill, and coming up with a fire escape safety drill as a family.