Many products found around the home are flammable. This means that they are easily ignited and capable of burning rapidly.Solvents, oil based paints, charcoal lighter fluid, and gasoline are typical examples. If open, these products vaporize, and may explode if they come into contact with a pilot light or spark.

Follow the label instructions. Always follow these standard safety precautions:
* Keep flammable products tightly sealed. Store them away from electrical appliances or open flames.
* Do not smoke cigarettes around flammable chemicals. Do not do anything that can produce a spark, such as hammering, sawing, chiseling, chipping, scraping, or power sanding. Do not allow welding around flammable products.
* Use in well-ventilated areas.
* Dispose of old rags that were used with flammable liquids or oil.
* Read and follow product label instructions.
* Properly dispose of unused or unneeded flammables.
* Do not attempt to light a fire using gasoline. Use charcoal starter fluid carefully and according to instructions. Do not add more starter fluid once you have started the fire.
* Carefully check the connections and rubber hoses on any gas-powered barbecue grill. Repair damage before using. Do not store such grills in the sun or where they can get very hot. This will cause the gas in a full tank to expand and possibly explode. Do not use barbecue grills of any type near the house or other structure.
* Keep an ABC-type fire extinguisher nearby. Know how to use it. Check that it is properly charged each month.

For more information, contact your local fire department.

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