Home Fires Ready

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The Dangers of Fire

• In the United States, three home fires are reported to fire departments every four minutes.
• On average, nine people die in a home fire each day.
• Fire can happen in any home at any time.
• Don't underestimate the speed and power of a fire. Even a small kitchen fire can turn deadly in a matter of minutes. Fires can spread rapidly through your home engulfing it in smoke and flames which can make an escape nearly impossible.

Take the time to walk through your home and follow simple steps to reduce your chances of having a fire. It could save your life or the life of your family.

What You Need to Know

• Get Out and Stay Out! Fire won't wait so plan your escape! Does everyone know to get out and go to a special meeting place?
• Smoke alarms will decrease your chance of dying in a fire by 50 percent! Make sure you have working smoke alarms!
• Smoke alarms should be on every level of your home, as well as inside and outside each bedroom.
• Test your smoke alarms monthly and replace the batteries twice a year.
• Smoke alarms are good for 7-10 years. Do you need to replace yours?
• Make sure all windows and doors will open so everyone can get out.
• Stay low and go! If there is smoke, make sure everyone knows to crawl low under smoke.
• Don't be a hoarder! Piles of stuff only acts as fuel in a fire. Keep your home clutter free.
• Make sure space heaters are kept at least 3 feet away from anything combustible.
• Be aware of the hazards of candle fires. Extinguish candles when you leave the room or go to sleep.
• Always stay in the kitchen when cooking.
• If a pan of grease catches fire on the stove, do not use water! Turn off the heat and cover with a lid.
• Keep things like oven mitts, wooden utensils and paper towels away from the stove.
• Keep matches and lighters away from children.
• Practice makes perfect! Practice fire drills in your home on a regular basis.

How Safe is Your Home?

Find out by going through this Safety Checklist!

• Are exits clear and unobstructed?
• Are extension cords in good condition (not frayed or cracked) and only used as temporary wiring?
• If multiple items need to be plugged in, is a surge protector being used?
• Are fire extinguishers visible and accessible?
• Is combustible rubbish removed from the building on a regular basis?
• Are oily rags and combustible chemicals stored in a container that limits oxygen or is filled with water?
• Are attic, closets and other storage areas kept neat and clean?
• Do you have working smoke alarms?
• Do you test your smoke alarm batteries monthly and change the batteries twice a year?
• Do you have your chimney and furnace/AC unit cleaned and serviced yearly?
• Are propane tanks stored outside the house?
• Are your address numbers clearly visible from the street?

Videos

Fire Safety - Have Two Ways Out

Federal Emergency Management Agency

Facts About Fire

U.S. Fire Administration

Resources