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:

1. At least one operating smoke detector
2. A working fire extinguisher
3. Regular chimney cleaning to prevent chimney fires
4. Proper ash trays for smokers
5. A metal container to empty fireplace ashes

Make sure you and your family have determined:

1. An escape plan with two different ways out
2. Someone assigned to call 911
3. Someone assigned to help those that need help getting out
4. A meeting place for everyone once they are outside
5. Practice fire drills regularly using your escape plan!

Things to remember when cooking:

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

Things to remember about electricity:

1. Avoid using extension cords wherever possible
2. Never run extension cords under rugs or carpeting
3. Replace any frayed or cracked extension cords
4. Do not tamper with your fuse box or use incorrect fuses
5. Immediately unplug any electrical appliance that smokes or has an unusual smell, and don't use it until checked or repaired.
6. 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.

If your clothes catch on fire: STOP, DROP and ROLL (while covering your face with your hands) until the fire is extinguished.

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

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