Home Fire Safety

There are many things that can be done to ensure safety at home from a fire. The following are some of the ways to protect yourself from becoming an unnecessary victim.

Be sure your home has:

• At least one operating smoke detector on each level of the house
• At least one working fire extinguisher
• Regular chimney cleaning to prevent chimney fires
• Proper ash trays for smokers
• A metal container to empty fireplace ashes

Make sure you and your family have determined:

• An escape plan with two different ways out
• Someone assigned to call 911
• Someone assigned to help those that need help getting out
• A meeting place for everyone once they are outside

Practice fire drills regularly using your escape plan!

Things to remember when cooking:

• Never leave the stove/oven unattended
• Wear clothes without excess material that could catch fire
• Keep lids on all pots and pans being used
• Keep the cooking area clear of flammable materials
• Keep pot and pan handles facing inward on the stove
• Keep small children away from the area while in use

Things to remember about electricity:

• Avoid using extension cords wherever possible
• Never run extension cords under rugs or carpeting
• Replace any frayed or cracked extension cords
• Do not tamper with your fuse box or use incorrect fuses
• Immediately unplug any electrical appliance that smokes or has an unusual smell, and don't use it until checked or repaired.
• Keep space heaters at least three feet away from anything flammable

What to do if you have a fire:

• 1. Crawl low under the smoke.
• 2. Before opening, feel doors with the back of your hand for heat.
• 3. Open doors slowly and be ready to close them if fire is on the other side.
• 4. Close any doors you safely can as you are leaving.
• 5. DON'T GO BACK IN FOR ANY REASON ONCE OUT OF THE BUILDING!
• 6. Exit as quickly and safely as possible.
• 7. Once outside, find a phone and call 911 to report the fire.

Provide any important information to the fire department that you can, including:

• Where the fire is located inside the building
• If anyone is still in the house or building and where they might be located
• Any hazards that might be in the house or building

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