Fire Safety

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Clean Hands Save Lives

When and how to wash your handsLife is better with clean hands

Handwashing is one of the best ways to protect yourself and your family from getting sick.  Learn when and how you should wash your hands to stay healthy.

Wash your hands often to stay healthy

You can help yourself and your loved ones stay healthy by washing your hands often, especially during these key times when you are likely to get and spread germs:

  • Before, during and after preparing food
  • Before eating food
  • Before and after caring for someone at home who is sick with vomiting and diarrhea
  • Before and after treating a cut or wound
  • After using the toilet
  • After changing diapers or cleaning up a child who has used the toilet
  • After blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing
  • After touching an animal, animal feed, or animal waste
  • After handling pet food or pet treats
  • After touching garbage

Follow five steps to wash your hands the right way

Washing your hands is easy, and it's one of the most effective ways to prevent the spread of germs. Clean hands can stop germs from spreading from one person to another and throughout an entire community - from your home and workplace to childcare facilities and hospitals.

Follow these five steps every time:

  1. Wet your hands with clean, running water (warm or cold), turn off the tap, and apply soap.
  2. Lather your hands by rubbing them together with the soap. Lather the backs of your hands, between your fingers, and under your nails.
  3. Scrub your hands for at least 20 seconds. Need a timer?  Hum the "Happy Birthday" song from beginning to end twice.
  4. Rinse your hands well under clean, running water.
  5. Dry your hands using a clean towel or air dry them.


Clothes Dryer Safety

Person cleaning the clothes dryer lint filter

Did you know?

You are at higher risk of having a clothes dryer fire if you don't clean your lint filter and dryer vents.

Follow these simple safety tips to prevent a clothes dryer fire in your home:

  • Have your dryer installed and serviced by a professional.
  • Do not use the dryer without a lint filter.  Clean the lint filter before and after each cycle.
  • Do not forget to clean the back of the dryer where lint can build up.
  • Check the venting system behind the dryer to make sure that it is not damaged, crushed or restricted.
  • Make sure that the outdoor vent covering opens when the dryer is operating.