Fire Safety Tips

Every 15 seconds, a fire department responds to a fire somewhere in the United States. The major causes of home fire deaths are smoking materials, heating, arson, and children playing with matches and lighters. Any items you are not able to mark off of this checklist may put you at a higher risk from fire.

Smoke Alarms

A working smoke detector cuts the risk of dying in a home fire by nearly half.

• Smoke alarms are installed on a ceiling or high on the wall outside of the bedroom(s) on each level of your home. Consider putting smoke alarms inside bedrooms too.
• You make certain that your smoke alarm battery is changed once a year.
• You test and clean your smoke alarm(s) each month.

Smoking

Fires started by smoking materials cause more fatalities than any other type of fire.

• Matches, lighters, and smoking materials are kept out of the reach of small children.
• No Smoking In Bed is a rule in your home.

Kitchen

Most cooking fires start when someone has left the kitchen while cooking something on the stove.

• You keep your stove and oven clean of grease to prevent the occurrences of a fire.
• In the event of a grease fire, you know that the best thing to do is to put a lid on it.
• You always remain in the kitchen while the stove or oven are on. Never leave cooking unattended.
• You never use your oven to heat your home.

Heating

Remember to turn portable heaters off and to allow fires to go out before leaving home or going to sleep.

• Your furniture and other belongings do not touch baseboard or portable heaters.
• You have your chimney(s) and heating systems inspected, cleaned and repaired prior to the heating season.

Electrical

Each year, hundreds of people die and thousands more are injured in electrical accidents.

• You only buy electrical appliances that have the seal of a nationally recognized testing laboratory.
• You use as few extension cords and plug adapters as possible.
• Extension cords are in the open, not tacked to walls, under rugs, or through doorways.

Housekeeping

You can protect your household and your property by following fire safe practices.

• You practice good housekeeping by keeping your home cleared of papers, mattresses, broken furniture, and other combustible odds and ends.
• Paint, varnish, and other flammables are stored in sturdy metal containers and in a cool place.
• Put ashes from the fireplace and barbecues in metal containers and only dispose of the contents when cold.

Escape Plan

Fire prevention and preparation can save lives!

• You have a plan of escape showing two ways out of every room in your home, especially bedrooms.
• You regularly practice your escape plan by holding fire drills in your home.
• Every phone is labeled with a 911 sticker and your address.