Our school is being asked to remove the stage curtains to comply with fire codes, since we do not have documentation proving they are fire safe. Rather than buy new curtains (gulp), is there a way to send a piece of the fabric out for testing and to get back the necessary fire code certification? I'm in MA, if that matters. Thanks! [more inside]
posted by Jim Biancolo on Feb 27, 2012 - 5 answers

So, now that the oven fire is out, what do I do now?! [more inside]
posted by peagood on Nov 16, 2011 - 4 answers

Burning hunk filter: How long can you let salt dough sit in an oven at 200 degrees before it burns or becomes a problem? Do we need to wake people up or call 911? Or can it stay in until morning? [more inside]
posted by cross_impact on Jul 19, 2011 - 7 answers

Fire Safety: I have a 16 month old son. If there is a house fire while I'm sleeping is it better to try and rescue him or get out of the house and wait for the fire department to rescue him? [more inside]
posted by bingwah on May 3, 2011 - 32 answers

Fire safety filter: My husband thinks that a lit candle left unattended on the back of our toilet in the bathroom is not a fire hazard, and I disagree. Please help us settle this argument with facts and figures. [more inside]
posted by frecklefaerie on Jan 23, 2011 - 76 answers

Would spraying a stick-on (paper) CD label with artists' fixative make the disc unsafe to play? [more inside]
posted by katje on Dec 8, 2009 - 7 answers

Greetings, Hive Mind. I need to know if I'm going to start a house fire. [more inside]
posted by optimuscrime on Aug 23, 2008 - 26 answers

Why are all but the basement doors locked in the stairwell where I work? [more inside]
posted by boeing82 on Nov 1, 2007 - 9 answers

What causes false Alarms in hardwired smoke detectors? [more inside]
posted by morallybass on Aug 24, 2007 - 14 answers

I live in a hundred-year old house (in Los Angeles, no less!) that has limited electrical outlets. I have unlimited (it seems) electronics - three computers, monitors, two laser printers, two air conditioners, electric heater (in the winter), etc. The house was upgraded from old-style fuses to circuit breakers a few years ago. It is a rental so I am not able to do any upgrades. None of the wall outlets are three prong, so I am using adapters. In the summer, my office is just overdone with things drawing power - all three computers, the printers, AC, and probably 20 (or more) smaller items - cell phone, postage scale, radio, etc.... [more inside]
posted by soulbarn on Sep 16, 2006 - 12 answers

Is it really so bad to leave a toaster plugged in? [more inside]
posted by TochterAusElysium on Sep 1, 2006 - 52 answers

Can anyone give me advice on the best way to ignite a brushpile before the drying days of summer? (MI) [more inside]
posted by docpops on Dec 24, 2004 - 9 answers

An empty gasoline container stored on the carpeted floor of a vehicle: good idea or forthcoming explosive disaster?
posted by keli on Mar 4, 2004 - 15 answers