Living Room and Dining Room - FDNY Fire Zone

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	Living rooms and dining rooms are often where people entertain guests. Fireplaces, candles, smoking and alcohol all contribute to a higher likelihood of fire.


		Is the fireplace opening covered by a heavy, metal screen or covered by glass doors? If not, sparks and glowing embers from the fire could fly out of the flames, causing a fire (or a burn!). Have all newspapers, furniture and fabric (such as sofas, chairs or curtains) been moved well away from the fireplace? These things are susceptible to both sparks and heat from the fire. If the fireplace is being used, is the flu open all the way? There needs to be adequate ventilation for the smoke and carbon monoxide that fires release. Also, only burn wood that has not been painted, shellacked, varnished or pressure-treated. Has the fire been extinguished before you leave your home or go to sleep? Shovel ashes into a 5-gallon bucket of water (not a trash bag), and carry the bucket outside for proper disposal. Has the chimney been inspected and cleaned recently? Ask an adult—dirty and broken chimneys can start on fire themselves.


		If candles are lit, is someone remaining in the room with them at all times? Burning candles should never be left alone! Do the lit candles have plenty of room around them? They should be kept well away from napkins, centerpieces, party decorations, and blowing curtains. Are there burning candles being used on the stairs, floor or carpeting? They could easily start a fire if they're knocked over. Are the candles more than six inches tall? Longer candles should be cut in half, so they’re not so apt to tip over. Are the candle holders made of wood or plastic? If so, they can start on fire. Use only glass or metal candle holders that have a wide, stable base. Are the matches being stored well out of the reach of children? Matches should be stored on a high shelf, in an air-tight container, away from sources of heat or other chemicals that could cause fire.


		Have all the cigarettes (and the matches that lit them) been fully extinguished before they're thrown away? They could easily start a fire in a wastebasket. If a cigarette should accidentally put a burn in a couch cushion, call 911—even if you think the fire is out (it may still be burning inside the upholstery).


		Are the pets kept out of any room where candles are burning? Even when candles are on a table, pets can jump up, or jostle things over. It's best to play it safe and keep pets well away from any source of flame. Are the pets kept out of any room where a space heater is being used? Again, all it takes is one accident—a dog knocking a wastebasket full of paper into the heating coils, for instance—to start a fire.


		Is all paper, fabric or furniture being kept well clear of the lamp bulb? Halogen lamps burn with such high heat that if anything flammable, such as curtains, should touch the bulb, it could start a fire. Are all pets being kept out of the room? They could knock the lamp over, starting a fire. Is the lamp cord in good condition? If it's worn, it should be replaced.


		Is anyone smoking while napping on the couch? Don't let them—fires often start when people fall asleep while smoking. If a cigarette should accidentally put a burn in a couch cushion, call 911—even if you think the fire is out (it may still be burning inside the upholstery).


		Have the decorations been made with flame-resistant, flame-retardant or non-combustible materials? If you're not sure, ask an adult to check the labels or the packages. Are any candles being used to decorate the Christmas tree? They shouldn’t—a tree that’s just the slightest bit dry can start on fire very quickly. Is your Christmas tree real? If it dries out, it could be a real fire hazard. Artificial trees that have been approved by respected testing laboratory are a wiser choice. Is your Christmas tree securly mounted? It should be on a solid base, away from fireplaces, radiators, exit doors and windows that lead to fire escapes. Are all candles kept well away from the decorations? Tabletop candles and menorahs should have at least two feet of room all around them, and should never be left alone in the room while lit. Does your Jack-o-lantern have real candles burning inside? It shouldn't... use a small electric light instead. Are all the lights being used bearing the name of an independent testing lab, and being used in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions? If you’re not sure, ask an adult to check the labels or the packages. Have all the lights been inspected for damage by an adult before they’re plugged in? Have any of the lights been hung or mounted in a way that has damaged the wiring? Ask an adult to inspect each wire. Are there a lot of light strings plugged into one outlet? If so, the wires might be working too hard. Distribute what's plugged in to other outlets in the room...or plug in fewer lights! Are any of the cords running beneath rugs or upholstery? If so, change their route, so a hot cord doesn't ignite the fabric. Are all the lights turned off when everyone goes to bed? Ask an adult to make sure.

I thought the fire was out... but the cigarette burn was still smoldering inside the couch!

I started yelling "Fire! Fire! Call 911!", and then I just took off down the stairs.

Who knew? Things don't even need to be touching a space heater to catch on fire!

I was choking and gagging from the smoke... but I knew I had to let someone know where I was!