CONSUMER GUIDE TO HOME FIRE SAFETY This brochure is meant to be of assistance to consumers when they attempt to make informed decisions about fire safe choices as they build or renovate their home. However, although this brochure is meant to be a reference for consumers, neither the National Consumers League nor any of the other groups who participated in writing it accept responsibility for a consumer's choice of one product or fire safety system versus another. Neither NCL, nor any other coalition participant, intends for this brochure to serve as a complete guide to building or renovating a home. NCL and the other participants also do not mean to recommend one product or system listed here more than any other, but simply to list the benefits and disadvantages of some. In addition, although the organizations listed throughout this brochure have contributed information to sections of it, the views expressed in it are NOT necessarily endorsed by all of them. CONSUMER GUIDE TO HOME FIRE SAFETY Most Americans treasure their homes. Their homes remain a permanent part of their lives for years. And when you build or buy a new home or renovate an existing one, it is important to consider the fire safety of the equipment, materials and furnishings that are used in construction, renovation and remodeling. But many often neglect or forget to give serious thought to fire safety. Each year about a half million residential fires are reported responsible for 3,000 to 4,000 deaths, about 20,000 injuries, and more than $4 billion in property loss. In fact, the United States has one of the highest fire-death rates per capita in the industrialized world, about twice the average rate for other nations. The bottom line is that, according to fire experts, eight of every 10 fires are preventable. It is important to be aware of the many fire safe choices available for homes, from the structural elements to its furnishings. Why? Because a fire safe home can more than double the chances that your family will escape unharmed. With this in mind, the National Consumers League organized the Fire Safe Home project to develop the first nationally comprehensive guide on fire safe building products, renovating supplies, and furnishings. The League worked with more than 25 dedicated organizations, including representatives from the fire services, government, industry, labor and nonprofit groups. See the Available Resource Materials section at the back of this guide for a participant listing. The guide identifies areas of fire safety concern and provides a summary of fire safe options available when building, renovating or adding onto a new home. Because it would be impossible to delve into great detail, the final section of this guide lists resources for consumers for more information. PERMITS AND CODES Building code enforcement departments are available in many areas across the United States. Many states have statewide building codes and inspectors available for all construction. Other states have code enforcement departments established by city or town governments. In these cases, inspection may not be available or required by law for buildings, particularly in unincorporated and rural areas. Where code inspections are required, you must obtain a permit before you begin construction on a new home or an existing one. Make sure that you, your builder or your contractor apply for the appropriate permits from your local building department. A building permit is a license that grants legal permission to build or renovate a building and must be obtained before construction starts. With regularly scheduled inspections, permits allow the enforcement of safety, health, and structural codes which have been adopted by a state, county, township or city to protect an individual family and the general public. Building and electrical codes ensure the well-being of families and communities by reducing potential spread of fires because of unsafe construction. To ensure electrical safety in your home, you should comply with the most recent National Electrical Code (NECr). Almost every locale within the United States with a code enforcement department builds, renovates, and makes inspections using the requirements of the NECr. As an example, older homes may have been constructed with very few electrical outlets, especially in kitchens and bathrooms. Today, requirements for modern kitchens include higher current wiring and outlets for many appliances. Outlets must be protected by ground-fault circuit-interrupters to reduce the possible electric shock hazard within the kitchen. For more information, please see the Available Resource Materials section at the back of this guide. (Graphic ommitted) BUILDING MATERIALS Roofing When you look at the types of roofing available on the market today, it is important to note how fire retardant the materials are. For example, slate and tile roofs or other noncombustible surfaces will not ignite with sparks from chimneys or other sources. Glass fiber-based roof shingles are more fire resistant than composition types, but may not last as long or weather as well. You must be careful when selecting the type of roofing. The fire retardancy of roofing materials is indicated by class. Class A rating, for example, is the highest and most fire resistant material that can be purchased. The fire resistant class rating applies to the roof sheathing or underlayment material as well as the roofing material itself. (Graphic ommitted) Insulation THIS SECTION WILL BE INCLUDED AT A LATER DATE. Refer to the Available Resource Materials section for more information. In addition, the Federal Trade Commission has adopted regulations on labels and advertising on home insulation; contact the agency for more information. ELECTRICAL Electrical Work In a typical year, electrical fires account for more than 155,000 residential fires in the United States, kill about 750 people and cause more than $1.3 billion in property damage. You should hire only qualified, licensed electricians that follow the latest National Electrical Code (NECr) to implement the following important safety rules. Fortunately, many electrical fires can be prevented if the wiring and outlets in your home are installed correctly, function properly, and are well maintained. Your appliances and equipment should also be of good quality, well maintained and used properly. The installation of electrical circuits and devices often appears to be fairly easy, and many consumers believe that they can do it without problems. However, there are various rules and installation procedures about which a homeowner does not know. When electrical installation is not done correctly, there is a good chance that damage can be done to electrical appliances and equipment such as refrigerators, well pumps, air conditioners, televisions, video cassette recorders and computers. Faulty wiring also increases the chance that someone will receive an electrical shock or start a fire. Only a qualified electrician should perform electrical work. All the work should be inspected by a local government electrical inspector upon completion and before it is concealed by finished walls, if possible. Don't try to save money by doing the installation yourself. If you do replace electrical work in your home, make sure you know how to do it and have obtained necessary training. When deciding the number of outlets for your home, the National Electrical Code stipulates a minimum quantity for various rooms. For example, kitchen countertops will require more outlets than a typical bedroom. By installing a sufficient quantity of outlets during construction, you should avoid the need for extension cords. (Plan for those who may be using the outlets in the future, including senior citizens and individuals with disabilities, and consider installing them at least 15 inches from the floor.) One of the goals of new construction and renovation work should be to eliminate the need for extension cords. Never permit cords to be used as a substitute for permanent wiring. You should never run extension cords under carpets or across doorways. Electrical devices that provide electric shock protection are important considerations in the bathroom, kitchen, basement, garage, and other areas that are susceptible to wetness. Proper grounding is essential to minimize fire and shock hazards. GFCI stands for Ground-Fault Circuit-Interrupter, a device that constantly monitors the amount of current flowing through a circuit and cuts off electricity when it detects a potentially lethal level of current that might flow through a person. GFCIs are inexpensive and can be installed in your home's electrical service panel or at various outlets. The electrical system of older homes not undergoing a major renovation, should be inspected to the specifications of a new code, NFPA 73, Residential Electrical Maintenance Code, which focuses on blatant hazards found in many older homes. Refer to the Available Resource Materials section for more information, or, because regulations often vary from state to state, check with your local building inspector. HEATING There are several general types of heating systems: central, room by room, portable, or fixed space heating. Energy sources for a central heating unit can be natural gas, fuel oil, propane and electricity, using coils, heat pumps or baseboard heaters. Space heating includes kerosene heaters, wood stoves and gas and electric space heaters. Although there are differences in fire risk among different types of central heating units, depending upon the type of fuel or power used, these systems are deemed safer than portable or fixed space heating. Space heaters are safe if installed and operated properly. If space heating is used, keep in mind a few fire safety pointers. First, check to make sure the heater is allowed by your local code. Fires often occur when a space heater is too close to combustible materials, such as curtains and upholstered furniture; make sure you keep space heaters away from those materials. Use only heaters listed by a qualified testing laboratory. Inspect the heater or heating equipment periodically; and make sure you replace worn parts and consumables. Watch for frayed cords. Make sure safety features are operational, including tipover safeties. When you buy a kerosene heater keep two things in mind: buy one certified by a qualified testing laboratory, and look for one with a safety or shut-off device. While newer heaters are equipped with the devices, older ones may not be. When you refill a portable kerosene heater with fuel, never refill the unit indoors or while the heater is lit. Use only the proper grade of fuel -- 1-K clear kerosene. Never use gasoline or any other liquid more volatile, because they could lead to a flare-up and fire. Store the kerosene in a tightly capped metal container which is specifically approved for storing kerosene. An approved container will be blue, NOT red, and will be marked for kerosene. If you want to buy a wood stove or gas space heater, fire safety officials recommend you check with local building code officials or fire marshals before you make your purchase. Units must comply with your local building codes. You should properly install and maintain it. You also ought to get your chimney inspected and cleaned regularly. Check your chimneys and flues for creosote build-up and bird or squirrel nests. The ashes should be cold before you remove them from your stove or fireplace. Many fires occur due to improper removal of ashes. When installing a wood stove or a fireplace, follow the manufacturer's recommended procedures. Check with the local building officials for clearances from combustible walls and floors, and check for the hearth requirements. You should also check with your insurance company because it may require an inspection from a building code official to verify that the stove was properly installed. When you purchase an electric space heater, you should only buy one with a UL or other qualified testing laboratory's safety listing. Check the unit's safety features. An automatic tipover shut-off is important. New heaters contain a thermostat control that shuts the heater off when it gets too hot and is also a good safety precaution. Older heaters may not have this feature. A thermostat control that regulates the heat output is an important feature. Remember when using any room heating device, it must be installed, maintained and used properly. Keep room heating devices out of trafficked areas and always use the proper fuel. Position them at least 3 feet away from combustible objects. Watch children and pets carefully when they are around these devices. And fire officials recommend that you always remember to turn them off when you leave your home or go to bed. Refer to the Available Resource Materials section for more information. APPLIANCES All household appliances should be listed by a qualified testing laboratory, indicating that they meet basic safety standards. It is imperative that appliances be installed, used, and maintained according to the manufacturer's instructions. Remember the following safety tips when you use appliances. * Careless cooking is the leading cause of residential fires. Stay focussed on your cooking. If you must leave the area, turn the stove or frying pan off. * Portable electric appliances should be unplugged when not in use. * Clothes dryer vents should be installed using appropriate materials and should be cleaned periodically. Lint filters should be cleaned after each load of clothes. * Kitchen stoves should have anti-tip brackets installed to prevent the stove from tipping forward and spilling hot cooking materials, or causing other injuries. LIGHTING You must install light fixtures according to the manufacturer's instructions and following provisions of the National Electrical Code (NECr). Don't install surface- mounted and recessed-mounted light fixtures so that combustible building material will be exposed to excessive heat. The NECr requires that insulation be kept 3 inches away from all recessed lights because the lights generate enough heat that can cause some materials to burn. Keep lamps away from combustible materials. For example, many torchiere- style halogen lamps can reach very high temperatures and could start a fire if they come in contact with curtains, clothes or other flammable material. These lamps should be turned off when not in use. And always have the electrical work inspected by a local government electrical inspector or a certified electrical inspector. Never use light bulbs of a higher wattage than recommended on the light fixture; check the tag on the lamp that indicates the wattage. Refer to the Available Resource Materials section for more information. FLAMMABLE AND COMBUSTIBLE LIQUIDS Many flammable and combustible liquids can be found in your home or garage such as rubbing alcohol, paint, paint thinner, cleaning solvents like linseed oil and gasoline or gasoline-oil mixes used for lawn mowers, snow blowers and other equipment. In addition, many cosmetics are flammable and should not be used near open flames. It is very important to know how to handle, properly store and dispose of the paints, solvents and other flammable and combustible liquids in your home. And never store or use gasoline inside your home. Always read the label on any container of paint or other liquids. If the label states, "Danger, Extremely Flammable" or "Warning - Flammable," these are easily ignited. Do not use the material near open flames including pilot lights, or arcing electrical equipment such as motors. Rags soaked with solvents or linseed oil should be allowed to air dry outside and then properly disposed. Or store them in a tightly sealed metal container until discarded. Otherwise, they may spontaneously combust, starting a dangerous fire in your home or garage. Refer to the Available Resource Materials section for more information. SAFETY SYSTEMS AND DEVICES Home fires break out at a rate of nearly one a minute in the United States, with each household averaging three typically unreported fires every 10 years. If a fire breaks out even after taking precautions, there are three devices or systems that can alert homeowners to a fire situation or contain it: photo- electric/ionization smoke detectors, fire sprinkler systems, and portable fire extinguishers. Smoke detectors are required by most building codes. In most cases, installation of residential fire sprinkler systems is voluntary although some municipalities are starting to require it in new construction. Smoke Detectors Early warning devices, such as smoke detectors, significantly increase your chances of survival in a residential fire. In fact, smoke detectors cut your chances of dying in a fire nearly in half. There are now detectors on the market for the hearing impaired. Check with the local building inspector, fire department or state fire marshal's office to find out where they recommend you install detectors. The National Fire Alarm Code, NFPA 72, requires that you install one detector outside each sleeping area or bedroom and on every floor, including the basement. You should not use smoke detectors in kitchens, bathrooms, unfinished attics, or garages unless specifically listed for this purpose. Detectors in these areas may be more prone to nuisance alarms perhaps caused by cooking vapors and moisture. There are detectors made now that have a temporary silence button, which allows you to silence the alarm for about 10 minutes when cooking or working. A more appropriate device for these areas might be a photo-electric smoke detector. In new homes, the National Fire Alarm Code requires hard-wired detectors that are permanently connected to AC power in each bedroom, outside each sleeping area and on every level of the home including the basement. These detectors must be interconnected so that when one detector activates, all of them will sound the alarm. In addition, the code's 1996 edition requires back up power supplies, which will usually be in the form of batteries. It is recommended that a qualified, licensed electrician install hard-wired detectors. You should always keep smoke detectors clean, and vacuum the dust from the sensor and openings. Never paint them. Make sure you read the manufacturer's instructions to determine when it is best to change the batteries. Replace detectors in your home every 10 years or more frequently if the manufacturer recommends it. Fire Sprinkler Systems Many fire officials suggest that new homes include automatic fire sprinkler systems. A residential fire sprinkler system can reduce the risk of fire deaths by 75 percent if combined with smoke detectors. An increasing number of communities across the country have deemed it appropriate to require fire sprinkler systems in all new residences. Some companies promote these systems and offer insurance discounts if you install them. Sprinkler heads are individually heat activated. When a fire increases the heat in the area of the sprinkler head to its operating temperature, a fusible link or glass bulb will activate only the sprinklers in the fire area and discharge water onto the fire while sounding an alarm. Sprinklers can prevent the spreading of a fire until the fire department arrives and in some cases can extinguish the fire. Early detection and suppression keeps fires from reaching dangerous and fatal proportions. If you install a home fire sprinkler system, you should maintain it properly. Each year, check for leaks in the system, and provide proper freeze protection for the piping system. It is important to hire a qualified contractor, because a system that is improperly installed or maintained will not provide the safety you deserve from your investment. These systems can be added during renovation projects and easily installed in new additions. Look for equipment that is approved by a qualified testing lab. Always have a local government code official, or an experienced and certified inspector, inspect your fire sprinkler system before paying for it. Fire Extinguishers To prevent smaller fires from growing, it is recommended that all homes have fire extinguishers. Fire extinguishers are classified by the type of fire that they are expected to fight. Know where you are going to use the extinguisher before you purchase it, and choose the fire extinguisher classification by where you plan to use it. For example, an extinguisher particularly made to fight grease and similar fires are classified for use in the kitchen. You should read the directions on the back of the extinguishers in your home, and check them monthly according to the manufacturer's instructions. Make sure you know how to use them. Professionals advise you to leave your home quickly when there is a fire, and call the fire department from a nearby phone. You should never attempt to stay inside to put out a fire, other than a small fire. Review these instructions periodically with children, reminding them to leave the area quickly, and call the fire department from a neighbor's house. Refer to the Available Resource Materials section for more information. HOME FURNISHINGS Careless use of smoking products is the leading cause of deaths associated in home fires. Most of these fires involve smoking material ignition of upholstered furniture or mattresses and bedding. Choose your home furnishings in order to significantly reduce the risk of a fire that can be caused by cigarette, cigars, pipes, matches, lighters, candles and other sources of heat and flame in your home. If you use those products, be extremely careful to keep ignition sources away from ignitable materials and make sure they are properly extinguished, disposed of, and cooled before discarding them. Upholstered Furniture When purchasing furniture, you should look for items that are designed to reduce the likelihood of ignition by smoking materials. Such furniture can be identified by a gold-colored tag on the item that has the initials UFAC or Upholstered Furniture Action Council. UFAC's Voluntary Action Program requires member manufacturers of furniture to use components that comply with certain cigarette-resistance tests. Fabrics made from predominantly thermoplastic fibers, such as nylon, polyester and olefin, exhibit good resistance to ignition from smoldering cigarettes. Some leathers, wool and vinyl fabrics also exhibit good cigarette ignition resistance. Generally, the higher the synthetic fiber content of the fabric the more it resists ignition from smoldering sources such as cigarettes. Fabrics such as cotton, rayon, linen and acetate have lower cigarette ignition resistance. Upholstered furniture is also susceptible to ignition by small open flames, such as from lighters, matches and candles. There is no guarantee that a furniture product resistant to cigarette ignition will resist small flame ignition, so be extremely careful with the use of small flames near upholstered furniture. California requires furniture sold in the state meet both cigarette and open- flame standards, and carry a label stating this compliance. California residents should look for this label, and some retailers use this label in other states. Mattresses and Bedding Since 1973, all mattresses sold are required by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission to resist cigarette ignition. Futons and mattress pads must also meet this standard. One way to ensure a new mattress complies with the standard is to look for the Sleep Products Safety Council hang tag on it that contains important fire safety information. These products may also contain a voluntary label showing that they meet a similar California state requirement. You should consider replacing your old mattress with a new one if the mattress was manufactured before 1973, even if it has been later renovated or rebuilt. If this is not possible, the use of a new mattress pad that resists cigarette ignition will help protect the older mattress. It is not a good idea to store unused mattresses, since these products can add to the household's fire load. Keep all ignition sources away from these products to reduce the risk of these types of fires. Other Furnishings Local or state building and fire codes may have requirements that apply to other furnishings, such as carpets and rugs, drapes and wall coverings. Check with a local building code official or fire marshal to determine if any regulations exist. All carpeting and large rugs have been required to meet federal flame spread flammability standards since 1970. Small rugs that are exempted must be so labeled. Refer to the Available Resource Materials section for more information. CHOOSING A CONTRACTOR When renovating, remodeling or building your home, it is often hard to decide which contractor will do the best job. Contact the following places for licensing information or referrals: * state regulations and licensing offices, * municipal building code officials, * the Better Business Bureau, * local building trades offices, * contractor referral services, or, * "word of mouth." Check with your friends and others about work done by specific contractors. Remember, price doesn't determine safety or the quality of work. Refer to the Available Resource Materials section for addresses and telephone numbers. AVAILABLE RESOURCE MATERIALS This section should assist you in finding additional resources and experts that you may need when building or renovating your home. Although the information below will help you begin your project, it is not meant to be a complete list. The following organizations and others are constantly producing new materials that also be a resource for you and were not available when this brochure was printed. In addition, many of the organizations listed are in the process of creating home pages on the Internet although the addresses are not listed in this brochure. By calling the numbers listed below, it might be possible to get an organization's resources by logging on to the World Wide Web. Codes and Permits For more information, contact the following organizations. You can also find your local code official and building department in the local government listing in the blue pages of your phone book, or check with your city or town hall for building inspection staff. National Fire Protection Association 1 Batterymarch Park Quincy, MA 02269 (617) 770-3000 (free kit) (800) 344-3555 (catalogue) Building Officials & Code Administrators International 4051 Flossmore Road Country Club Hills, IL 60478 (708) 799-2300 National Association of State Fire Marshals 1319 F Street, NW, Suite 301 Washington, DC 20004 (202) 737-1226 Southern Building Code Congress International 900 Montclair Road Birmingham, AL 35213 (205) 591-1853 International Conference of Building Officials 5360 S. Workman Mill Road Whittier, CA 90601 (310) 699-0541 National Conference of States on Building Codes and Standards 505 Huntmar Park Drive, Suite 210 Herndon, VA 22070 (703) 437-0100 Building Materials For more information on roofing or insulation, contact: Cellulose Insulation Manufacturers Association 136 South Keowee Street Dayton, OH 45402 (937) 222-2462 EPS Molders Association 1926 Waukegan Road, Suite 1 Glenview, IL 60025 (800) 607-3772 National Association of Home Builders 1201 15th Street, NW Washington, DC 20005 (202) 822-0229 (800) 223-2665 National Roofing Contractors Association O'Hare International Center 10255 West Higgins Road, Suite 600 Rosemont, IL 60018 (800) USA-ROOF Polyisocyanurate Insulation Manufacturers Association 1001 Pennsylvania Ave. N.W., 5th floor Washington, DC 20004 (202) 624-2709 The Society of the Plastics Industry, Inc. -- Spray Polyurethane Division 1801 K Street, NW, Suite 600 K Washington, DC 20006 (202) 974-5200 The Society of the Plastics Industry, Inc. -- Polyurethane Division 355 Lexington Avenue New York, NY 10017 (212) 351-5425 The Society of the Plastics Industry, Inc. -- Foamed Polystyrene Alliance 1801 K Street, NW, Suite 600 K Washington, DC 20006 (202) 974-5200 Heating For more information on fire safe heating options, contact: National Fire Protection Association 1 Batterymarch Park Quincy, MA 02269 (617) 770-3000 (free kit) (800) 344-3555 (catalogue) U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission 4330 East-West Highway Bethesda, MD 20814 (800) 638-2772 U.S. Fire Administration Federal Emergency Management Agency 16825 S. Seton Avenue Emmitsburg, MD 21727 (301) 447-1189 Electrical For additional information, contact: Edison Electric Institute 701 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW Washington, DC 20004 (800) EEI-5453 National Electrical Safety Foundation 1300 North 17th Street, Suite 1847 Rosslyn, VA 22209 (703) 841-3211 National Fire Protection Association (publisher of the National Electrical Coder) 1 Batterymarch Park Quincy, MA 02269 (617) 770-3000 (free kit) (800) 344-3555 (catalogue) U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission 4330 East-West Highway Bethesda, MD 20814 (800) 638-2772 U.S. Fire Administration Federal Emergency Management Agency 16825 S. Seton Avenue Emmitsburg, MD 21727 (301) 447-1189 Underwriters Laboratories, Inc. 333 Pfingsten Road Northbrook, IL 60062 (847) 272-8800 Lighting For more information, contact: Illuminating Engineering Society of North America 120 Wall Street, 17th Floor New York, NY 10005 (212) 248-5000 Flammable and Combustible Liquids For more information, call: National Fire Protection Association 1 Batterymarch Park Quincy, MA 02269 (617) 770-3000 (free kit) (800) 344-3555 (catalogue) Safety Systems and Devices For more information, contact the following organizations. In addition, some individual states also have codes and licensing and rules and regulations. American Fire Sprinkler Association 12959 Jupiter Road, Suite 142 Dallas, TX 75238 (214) 349-5965 Operation Life Safety International Association of Fire Chiefs 4025 Fair Ridge Drive Fairfax, VA 22033 (703) 273-0911 National Association of State Fire Marshals 1319 F Street, NW, Suite 301 Washington, DC 20004 (202) 737-1226 National Fire Protection Association 1 Batterymarch Park Quincy, MA 02269 (617) 770-3000 (free kit) (800) 344-3555 (catalogue) National Fire Sprinkler Association Robin Hill Corporate Park P.O. Box 1000 Patterson, NY 12563 (914) 878-4200 U.S. Fire Administration Federal Emergency Management Agency 16825 S. Seton Avenue Emmitsburg, MD 21727 (301) 447-1189 U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission 4330 East-West Highway Bethesda, MD 20814 (800) 638-2772 Home furnishings For more information about bedding or other home furnishings, contact: American Textile Manufacturers Institute 1130 Connecticut Avenue, NW, Suite 1200 Washington, DC 20036-3954 (202) 862-0550 National Fire Protection Association (publisher of the National Electrical Coder) 1 Batterymarch Park Quincy, MA 02269 (617) 770-3000 (free kit) (800) 344-3555 (catalogue) U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission 4330 East-West Highway Bethesda, MD 20814 (800) 638-2772 U.S. Fire Administration 16825 S. Seton Avenue Emmitsburg, MD 21727 (301) 447-1189 Contractors For more information, contact your local Better Business Bureau. Or, you can find your local consumer protection agency in the government section in the blue pages of your local phone book. AVAILABLE MATERIALS Permits and Codes 1. electrical National Fire Protection Association: Electrical Code Handbook U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission: Guide to Home Wiring Hazards 2. mechanical International Conference of Building Officials: Uniform Building and Mechanical Code Southern Building Code Congress International International Code Council 3. structural Council of American Building Officials: You Can Build It Council of American Building Officials: Why and How Council of American Building Officials: Building Codes Building Officials and Code Administrators International Southern Building Code Congress International Building Materials 1. insulation CertainTeed Home Institute: Cellulose Insulation Flammability CertainTeed Home Institute: Insulation and Fire Safety In Your Home 2. exterior Vinyl Siding Institute: Rigid Vinyl Siding Heating 1. gas/energy American Gas Association: At Home With Energy National Fuel Funds Network: Heating Homes and Saving Lives Through Partnerships 2. space heaters U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission: Electric Space Heaters U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission: Kerosene Heaters U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission: What You Should Know About Space Heaters Electrical 1. electrical National Electrical Safety Foundation: Plug Into Electric Safety (kit) National Fire Protection Association: National Electrical Code (NFPA70) National Fire Protection Association: Residential Electrical Maintenance Code for One- and Two-Family Dwellings (NFPA 73) U.S. Fire Administration - FEMA: On The Safety Circuit (kit) U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission: Repairing Aluminum Wiring U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission: Electric Safety Audit, Room by Room Checklist U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission: Electrical Receptacle Fact Sheet National Electrical Safety Foundation and U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission: A Home Electrical Safety Check U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission: Electrical Receptacle Outlets 2. appliances Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers: Recipe for Safer Cooking Tips on preventing cooking fires and putting out cooking fires U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission: Guide To Electric Safety (1983) Safety Systems and Devices 1. smoke alarms/detectors U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission: Smoke Detectors Can Save Your Life U.S. Fire Administration-Federal Emergency Management Agency: Smoke Detectors and Fire Safety: A Guide For Older Americans U.S. Fire Administration - FEMA: Smoke Detectors: Don't Stay Home Without One National Fire Protection Association: National Fire Alarm Code (NFPA72) National Fire Protection Association: Home Smoke Detectors 2. sprinklers National Fire Sprinkler Association Inc: F.Y.I. (4pamphlets) Fire Sprinkler Facts Homeowner's Guide to Fire Sprinkler System Residential and Quick Response Sprinklers Maintain Your Fire Sprinkler System U.S. Fire Administration - FEMA: Home Fire Protection- Quick Response Fire Sprinkler National Volunteer Fire Council: Don't Give Fire A Home (kit) National Fire Protection Association: Installation of Sprinkler Systems (NFPA 13) 3. fire extinguishers National Fire Protection Association: Portable Fire Extinguishers Home Furnishings 1. carpeting U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission: Tips for Purchasing and Installing New Carpet 2. upholstered furniture U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission: Upholstered Furniture General U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission: Home Fire Safety Checklist National Fire Protection Association: Fire Prevention in Your Home National Fire Protection Association: Fire in Your Home -- Prevention and Surviva