• Lighted cigarette ends carelessly thrown out of window, on the floor or into waste paper baskets caused numerous fires. Discard them in ash-trays after extinguishers.

• Do not smoke in bed.

Cooking

• LPG stoves should be lighted the correct way. The burner should be turned on after holding lighted match stick or a gas lighter close to the burner.

• Cylinder valve should be shut off at the end of day.

• Tube connecting cylinder and stove should be free form cracks and cuts. Change the same regularly.

• While using kerosene stoves, never over-pump or attempt to refill it when it is burning.

• Locate LPG cylinder in well ventilated place in the house.

• Instruction card for handling LPG leak emergency should be kept in a readily accessible location for reference.

Electrical Fires

• Do not put too many plugs in one socket. This can generate heat through overloading and burning away the insulation.

• Inserting bared wire ends in a socket without plug will cause arcing and generate heat. Always use a proper plug.

• Protect circuit and equipment against excess current by correctly rated use fuse.

• Leave the repairs and installation to electrician. ISI mark for electric switches, stoves, immersion heaters and irons is mandatory. Check for this mark and as far as

• If possible, use other electrical equipment also bearing ISI mark.

• Always switch off the appliances after use, especially the heaters, irons etc.

• Switch off mains when you go on vacations.

• When you notice spark or fire in switch board, switch off the mains immediately.'

• Get the household wiring checked for signs for wear and tear and for insulation resistance. If it is less than 1 meg ohm, it needs replacement.

• Do not run flexible cords/wires under mats, carpets or through doorways where they may get crushed.

• Plumbers, electricians and others repairers may connect their portable electric tools and welding equipment to the power outlets in the electric tools and welding equipment to the power outlets in the residence. Check that the rating of the appliance does not exceed rating of the socket.

• Use 3 pin plug and heavily insulated cords for all movable electrical equipment.

Fireworks

• Light fireworks outside the home-never inside.

• Do not wear long, loose, thin, flowering dress while lighting fire works.

• Do not keep lamps close to curtains and upholstery.

• Never store fireworks or unpack them near a flame or a heat source.

Flammable Materials

• Do not dispose off match sticks into rubbish bins before they are completely extinguished.

• Follow the instructions of the manufacturer for storage and handling of chemical/cleaning agents that are reactive/flammable.

• Some aerosol dispensers which use propane/butane propellants present potential fire and explosion risk. Similarly hair lacquer which has volatile ethanol as an ingredient may form explosive mist when dispersed in air. Ignition sources should not be present when these are used.

• Store the aerosol cans away from heat source.

• Do not attempt to puncture the aerosol cans or throw them into fire. They will explode.

• Similar care with paints, varnishes, turpentine and other cleaning solvents.

During Fire Emergency

• If your clothes catch fire, pour water if it is available. If not, stop where you are, drop to ground and roll. Do not run as it will only fan the flame.

• In case of fire, alert others to evacuate and call fire brigades.

• If the fire cannot be fought, leave the room, shut the door and evacuate. Do not wait to collect possessions.

• Fire tends to spread upwards. Try to escape to lower floors and then to outside.

• Do not use lifts in a fire emergency. Use stairs, preferably fire escape if available.

• Do not hide behind furniture or in toilets or run up to the terrace. If the room is getting smoke filled, use a wet cloth to cover nose and crawl out since the floor level takes longer time to get smoke filled.

First Aids

• Electrical burns are usually deep and can turn infectious. Cover the burn with sterile cloth and get medical assistance immediately.

• Pour water on fire burns till the pain subsides. Cold water is preferred. Do not apply oil/ointment before consulting the doctor.