Home Fire Safety

There are more than 300,000 residential fires per year, resulting in over 3,000 deaths in the United States. Fire can occur in anyone’s home regardless of age, education, or race.

Working smoke alarms are a key factor in surviving a fire, but safe practices are your first line of defense in preventing a fire from ever starting. Here is a list of a few safety tips to help keep you and your home safe.

Smoke Alarms:

Install smoke alarms inside and outside every sleeping area, and on every level of your home.
Test smoke alarms every month, and change batteries in accordance with manufacturer’s recommendations.
- (Tip: Use a broom handle to press the test button, if you’re having trouble reaching it.)
Replace smoke alarms every ten years.

Fire Extinguishers:

Purchase a multi-purpose (ABC) extinguisher, and inspect it annually.
Teach your family how to use a fire extinguisher (P.A.S.S. – Pull, Aim, Squeeze, Sweep)
Fight only small fires with a safe exit behind you.

Have an ESCAPE Plan:

Develop a home escape plan that includes two exits out of every room.
Establish an outside meeting place (tree, mailbox, etc.)
Escape using the nearest safe exit.
Escape and exit away from smoke.
If room is full of smoke, crawl low to exit.
Practice escape plan with each family member.
Teach all family members how to call 9-1-1 in an emergency (state your name, address, and type of emergency)

Cooking:

Never leave cooking unattended.
When cooking outside, move grill away from house.
Never use a deep fryer in a covered area (garage/carport/deck) and move away from house.
Dispose of coals/ashes in metal containers.
If clothes catch fire: “Stop, Drop, and Roll”

Smoking Materials and Candles:

Never leave cigarettes or candles unattended.
Keep matches and lighters out of reach of children.
Place candles in a sturdy, non-combustible holder.
Empty ashtrays into non-combustible container only and soak with water.
Never smoke in bed or when drowsy.

Electrical:

Avoid overloading electrical circuits.
Maintain air space around electrical equipment (TV, computer, etc.)
Do not tack cords to the wall or run cords under rugs.
Inspect electrical cords and appliances regularly for damage.
Extension cords are only for temporary use. Be sure to use cords with a built-in circuit breaker.
All electrical work should be performed by a qualified electrician.

Heating Equipment and Fireplaces:

Never leave space heaters unattended, and turn off while sleeping.
Keep space heaters at least three feet from all combustibles.
Never use an oven/cook-stove for home heating.
Replace furnace filters regularly.
Install a spark screen on fireplace opening.
Burn only clean, dry firewood.
Dispose of ashes in metal containers and soak with water.
Install spark arrester on chimney.
Have chimney inspected/cleaned annually.
Clean lint behind clothes dryer, and never leave running when you are gone or asleep.
Keep newspapers, other combustibles, and clutter away from water heater or furnace.

Exterior:

Make sure your house number is visible from the street.
Trim trees away from chimney and remove all pine needles and leaves from roof, eaves, and gutters.
Keep lawn mowed a minimum of 30 feet surrounding house and outbuildings.