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Today's mobile homes are safer than ever before. Nevertheless, people who live in mobile homes face higher risk of death or injury from fire than people who live in structural homes. If you live in a mobile home, it's important for you to know-how to prevent afire and to develop a clear escape plan should a fire occur.
PLAN AN ESCAPE ROUTE
A fire can spread very quickly in a mobile home; therefore time is of the essence during a fire. Designate an escape window in each room and keep obstacles away from these windows and all doors. Select an outside meeting place where everyone can meet if an immediate evacuation is necessary, Practice "firedrills" to ensure that everyone will know what to do if an emergency arises.
REMOVE DEBRIS FROMUNDER YOUR HOME
Don't let debris or wood stack up under your mobile home. Skirting materials will help prevent debris from blowing under the home and can also help stop a grass fire from spreading underneath your home. In addition, skirting can keep children and pets away from wiring or gas lines.
MAINTAIN THE HEATING SYSTEM
Experts recommend that you have a qualified person perform the maintenance on your home heating system as an annual inspection of it. Be sure that the walls in the heater closet are made of noncombustible material .Furthermore, do not use this room for storage.
KNOW YOUR ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Familiarize yourself with the electrical system in your home. Know where your panel box is located and how it operates. Mark each fuse or circuit breaker as to the area it controls and never leave the panel box door open .If breakers continually trip, fuses blow, or you begin to notice acrid smells, call a qualified electrician immediately .
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