Garrettsville
Freedom Nelson
Joint Fire District
Safety Tips
Your Safety Is Our Priority
At the Garrettsville Freedom Nelson Joint Fire District, our mission goes beyond responding to emergencies — we are dedicated to helping you prevent them.
By following a few simple safety practices, you can protect yourself, your family, and your home from the unexpected.
Explore the tips below to stay informed, stay prepared, and stay safe. Together, we can build a stronger, safer community.
In a fire, every second counts.
Never hide from smoke or flames — it makes it harder for firefighters to find and rescue you. Instead, get outside quickly and safely. Go straight to your family’s meeting place and stay there until help arrives. ​ Don’t hide — Go outside!
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Protect Your Home from Carbon Monoxide
Carbon monoxide (CO) is an invisible, odorless gas that can be deadly. The best way to protect your family is by installing reliable CO detectors in your home.
Stay Safe with These Simple Tips:
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Replace detectors every 10 years (or sooner, if recommended by the manufacturer).
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Test devices monthly to ensure they’re working properly.
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Keep detectors clean and free of dust.
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Install on every level of your home and near all sleeping areas.
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Where Should You Place CO Detectors?
Because carbon monoxide is slightly lighter than air and disperses evenly, mount detectors on the ceiling or high on the wall—ideally at least 5 feet above the floor. Avoid placing them:
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Near windows or vents (airflow can interfere with readings)
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In humid areas like bathrooms
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Don’t Ignore the Beep
If your detector chirps or sounds an alarm, take it seriously. It could be alerting you to a dangerous CO level or simply signaling the need for new batteries or a replacement.
Your safety starts with awareness and the right equipment. Install, test, and maintain your CO detectors regularly to keep your home safe.
Smother, Don't Water!
If a fire starts in a pan, stay calm and act fast. Never use water — it can cause the fire to spread instantly! Instead, carefully place a lid over the pan to smother the flames and turn off the heat. Always keep a lid or cookie sheet nearby when cooking, just in case. ​ Remember: Smother, Don't Water!
Smoke Detectors save lives...
...but only when they are operational!
Test your smoke detectors monthly and change the batteries twice a year, unless otherwise specified by the manufacturer.
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A chirping smoke detector is a warning that something is wrong—usually a low battery or a malfunction. Never ignore it! Check the battery first, and if the chirping continues, replace the unit or consult the manufacturer's guide.
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Most smoke detectors should be replaced every 8 years, but always follow the manufacturer's specific recommendations.
Extension Cord Safety: What You Need to Know
Never run extension cords under rugs or furniture—this can trap heat, damage the cord, and create a serious fire hazard.
For safer use, always opt for heavy-duty extension cords or UL-listed power strips with built-in surge and overload protection. Make sure cords remain visible and ventilated to prevent overheating.
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Why Wire Gauge Matters
Extension cords come in different wire gauges, which determine how much electrical current they can safely carry. The lower the gauge number, the thicker the wire—and the more power it can handle without overheating.
For example:
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14-gauge cords are suitable for light to medium-duty appliances (up to about 13 amps).
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12-gauge cords are ideal for heavy-duty use and can handle up to 15 amps safely.
Most household circuits are protected by a 15-amp breaker, so using an extension cord with too small a gauge (like 16 or 18 gauge) can lead to overheating, even if the breaker doesn’t trip.
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Tip: Always match your cord’s gauge to the power needs of the device and the length of the cord. Longer cords require thicker wires to carry the same current safely.
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Quick Safety Checklist:
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✅ Use cords with sufficient wire gauge for your devices
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✅ Avoid daisy-chaining multiple cords or power strips
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✅ Unplug cords when not in use
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✅ Inspect for damage before each use
Keep your home safe by choosing the right cords and using them wisely.