Fire Safety Tips

Fires can be prevented. A few easy steps can save your life!

• Make an escape plan and practice it with your family.
• Know how to contact fire services in your area.
• Post home address signs that are easy to see from the road.
• Keep lawns trimmed, leaves raked, and the roof and gutters free of leaves and branches.
• Thin trees and brush within 30 feet of your home.
• Be safe when using fireplaces, wood stoves, and space heaters. Keep items that can burn at least 3 feet away. (Heating Tips »)
• Store firewood and flammable materials at least 30 feet from your home.
• Keep a clear path to hydrants, ponds, and other water sources.
• Follow all local rules about burning leaves and rubbish.

Rural Residences Fire Facts

• People in rural areas are at higher risk of fire death.
• Heating fires are the leading cause of home fires in rural areas. (Heating is the number two cause of home fires nationwide.)
• Many rural homes are far away from fire stations, so it takes longer for the fire department to respond. Within minutes, an entire home may be destroyed by fire.
• Limited water supply in rural areas can make it hard to put out a fire.
• Fires that start outdoors can easily spread to homes.
• Woods, dense brush, and other plants around rural homes can fuel fires.