Fire Prevention

About Fire Safety and Prevention

Did you know that if a fire starts in your home, you may have just two minutes to escape?

The most effective way to protect yourself and your home from fire is to identify and remove fire hazards. 60 percent of house fire deaths occur in homes with no working smoke alarms. During a home fire, working smoke alarms and a fire escape plan that has been practiced regularly can save lives.

- Redcross.org

Prepare a fire safety plan

Preparation is a key to fire safety, having working smoke alarms installed on every level of the house and around the sleeping areas is essential for every home. Make sure to test the smoke alarms monthly and replace batteries as needed.

Make sure you keep combustible material at least 3 feet away from your fireplace, stove or anything that gets hot including space heaters, etc.

Plan Ahead

Teach everyone in the house about the dangers of fire, playing with matches, lighters, etc.. Have an escape plan for your home that everyone knows and choose a designated spot outside to meet.

In an Emergency

If you do experience a fire:

1. Get outside and stay outside! Call 9-1-1
2. As you exit, crawl below the smoke.
3. If a door or handle is warm, use a different way to leave the room. NEVER OPEN A DOOR THAT IS WARM!
4. If smoke and fire blocks your way out, make sure the doors are shut, put a wet towel under the door. Call 9-1-1. Open a window and wave a flashlight or other brightly colored cloths or objects to help get you noticed.
5. There are many more fire prevention tips. For your convenience, we have provided some informational links below.

Red Cross Fire Safety and Prevention

National Fire Protection Association

Kidshealth.org