Many people in rural areas live in mobile homes. Newer mobile or manufactured homes have many updated improved safety elements. However, extra caution should be taken with older mobile or manufactured homes. You'll find that many of the tips below are applicable to every type of single family or multiple family dwelling. These are good tips for all of us.

Electrical

• Do not overload circuits
• Diming lights or fading lights may mean real trouble
• Use only proper size fuses and breakers
• Do not use extension cords for heating devices or appliances
• Never run electrical cords under rugs
• Keep dust from accumulating on and under appliances including TV's
• When in doubt hire an electrician or seek professional advice

Cooking

• Never leave any cooking unattended
• Keep pan handles turned toward center of stove
• Wear short sleeves when cooking
• In case of grease fire, NEVER pick up the pan. Slide a lid or cookie sheet over it, turn off the heat and wait for it to cool.

Furnaces

• Clean or change filter regularly (this also helps your bill)
• Check exhaust vent
• If oiling is in your manual, do it
• Check air intake
• Replace carpeting around furnace with sheet metal or other fireproof material
• Check thermostat
• Do not use the furnace area for a closet
• Check flue assembly
• Never attempt to repair gas lines. If you smell gas, get out immediately and call a professional

Space Heaters

• Follow all manufacturer's instructions
• Keep the heater at least 36 inches away from anything combustible
• Turn off all space heaters when leaving your home or going to bed
• Do not use a space heater to dry wet clothing
• NEVER use a kitchen stove for a space heater

Water Heaters

• Keep the temperature at approx. 120-125 degrees
• Check it once a year
• Check flue if it is a gas heater
• Check wiring if it is an electric heater
• Check relief valve for corrosion
• NEVER close or cover a floor or wall vent in a gas water heater compartment

Smoke Detectors

• Mobile Homes or Manufactured Homes should have at least one working smoke detector. A good place is in a hallway near the bedrooms. However, the more smoke detectors the better.
• Check the detector at least once a month and replace the batteries twice a year (Remember spring forward, fall back)

When There's A Fire

• Get out quickly. Fires can spread very fast.
• Stay low and crawl to avoid smoke. Most house fires have very toxic smoke
• Call 9-1-1 from a neighbors phone
• NEVER reenter a burning structure