Fire Safety Tips

Smoke Alarms

• Have a working smoke alarm on each level of your home and outside bedrooms.
• Test smoke alarms monthly and change batteries at least once every year.
• Consider buying a lithium battery powered smoke alarm, which may last up to ten years with no battery change.
• Install smoke alarms away from air vents.
• Install smoke alarms on the ceiling or wall, at least 4 inches from corners.
• When affixed to walls, smoke alarms should be between 4 and 12 inches from the ceiling.
• Never disable or remove smoke alarm batteries.

Escape Planning

• Develop a fire escape plan with your household and practice often.
• Know two ways to exit from every room in your home.
• Make sure safety bars on windows can be opened from inside your home.
• Crawl low, under smoke.
• Feel closed doors. If hot, use another exit.
• Identify a place to meet household members outside. Never re-enter a burning building.
• Escape first and then call for emergency assistance.

Fire Safety Walk Through

• Keep clothes, blankets, curtains and other combustibles at least three feet from space heaters.
• Place space heaters where they will not tip over easily.
• Have chimneys cleaned and inspected annually by a professional.
• Clear the area around the hearth of debris, flammables and decorative materials.
• Always use a metal mesh screen with fireplaces and leave glass doors open while burning a fire.
• Keep clothes, towels and other combustibles away from stove burners.
• Never leave cooking unattended.
• Be sure your stove and small appliances are off before going to bed.
• Check for frayed wires and do not run cords under rugs or furniture.
• Never overload electrical sockets.
• Keep lighters and matches out of the reach of children.
• Never leave cigarettes unattended.
• Never smoke in bed.