home Fire Safety
Install Smoke Alarms:
- Install smoke alarms on every level of your home, inside bedrooms, and outside sleeping areas.
- Test smoke alarms monthly and replace batteries at least once a year.
Create an Escape Plan:
- Make a fire escape plan and practice it twice a year.
- Ensure all family members know two ways out of each room.
- Designate a meeting spot outside the home.
Cooking Safety:
- Never leave cooking unattended.
- Keep flammable items away from the stove.
- Turn pot handles inward to prevent spills.
Electrical Safety:
- Avoid overloading electrical outlets.
- Replace damaged cords immediately.
- Use extension cords sparingly and never under carpets.
Heating Safety:
- Keep space heaters at least three feet away from anything that can burn.
- Never leave a space heater unattended.
- Have chimneys and heating equipment inspected annually.
Candle Safety:
- Keep candles away from flammable materials.
- Extinguish candles when leaving the room or going to bed.
- Use sturdy candle holders.
Workplace Fire Safety
Know Emergency Procedures:
- Familiarize yourself with the workplace fire evacuation plan.
- Participate in regular fire drills.
Fire Extinguishers:
- Know the locations of fire extinguishers and how to use them.
- Ensure fire extinguishers are regularly inspected and maintained.
Proper Storage:
- Store flammable materials in appropriate containers.
- Keep storage areas clean and free of clutter.
Fire Doors:
- Keep fire doors closed to prevent the spread of fire and smoke.
- Never block or prop open fire doors.
More Fire Safety
Wild Fire Safety
Create a Defensible Space:
- Clear flammable vegetation within 30 feet of your home.
- Remove dead plants and trees, and keep grass short.
Fire-Resistant Landscaping:
- Use fire-resistant plants and materials for landscaping.
- Keep trees pruned and maintain spacing between shrubs and trees.
Emergency Kit:
- Prepare an emergency kit with essentials like water, food, medications, and important documents.
- Have a plan for evacuating pets and livestock.
Stay Informed:
- Monitor local news and weather reports for wildfire information.
- Sign up for emergency alerts and notifications.
Holiday Safety
Christmas Trees:
- Keep live Christmas trees well-watered.
- Place trees away from heat sources and exits.
Holiday Lights:
- Inspect holiday lights for damage before use.
- Use indoor lights inside and outdoor lights outside.
Fireplace Safety:
- Use a screen to prevent sparks from escaping the fireplace.
- Dispose of ashes in a metal container and store it outside.
Additional Safety Resources
The safety tips on this page were sourced from the U.S. Fire Administration.
For more safety tips, please visit the U.S. Fire Administration Prevention Page by clicking the button below.