Home Fire Safety Tips & Information
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Portable Heaters
- Use heaters only in well-ventilated rooms
- Place heaters where they will not be knocked over easily
- Do not use heaters to dry clothing or other items
- Keep heaters at a safe distance from curtains, furniture and all combustibles
Kerosene Heaters
- Fill only with K-1 Kerosene; never use gasoline or camp stove fuel
- Refuel kerosene heaters only outdoors and when they are cool
Wood Stoves and Fireplaces
- Use only seasoned firewood; never use green wood, artificial logs or trash
- Always have a protective grille or screen in place
- Clean interiors, hearths and chimneys annually
Electric Space Heaters
- Plus heaters directly into a wall socket; do not use extension cords
- Always unplug heaters when they are not in use
Firesafe Kitchen Tips
- Don't leave food unattended on the stove
- Keep loose or dangling clothing away from burners
- Keep curtains, dish and hand towels, pot holders and other combustibles away from the stove
- Keep appliances clean and free of grease and food particles
- Make sure the stove is off and small appliances are unplugged befor going to bed
Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Detectors
- Place detectors near bedrooms and on every floor of your house
- Test detector batteries monthly
- Keep detectors away from air vents
Electrical Wiring
- Check appliances for frayed or cracked wiring; replace if necessary
- Do not place wiring under rugs, over nails or in high-traffic areas
- Never overload outlets; make sure they are cool to the touch
- Keep covers over electrical plates and avoid exposed wiring
Safe Smoking Habits
- Never smoke in bed
- Keep ashtrays away from upholstered furniture and curtains
- So not leave burning cigarettes or cigars unattended
Children and Fire Safety
- Keep lighters and matches away from children
- Teach children how to call for emergency assistance
- Place safety plugs in unused electrical outlets
Fire Extinguishers / Sprinklers
- Keep a fire extinguisher handy, especially in the kitchen
- Don't store kitchen extinguishers in cabinets above the stove; most kitchen fires occur on the stovetop, making it difficult to retrieve an extinguisher stored above
- Consider having residential fire sprinklers installed in your household
Home Fire Escape Plan
- Have an escape plan and make sure all family members know it
- Practice the plan every six months
- Identify an outside meeting place; never return into a burning building
- Keep emergency numbers, a whistle and a flashlight near the telephone
- Know how to call for emergency assistance
Exiting Safely
- Stay calm; it is important to think clearly
- If a door is closed, feel the knob or the door with the back of your hand. If it is hot, seek another way out
- If there is smoke, crouch low and crawl to the nearest exit
- Close all doors behind you
If You Are Trapped...
- Do not panic; try to remain calm and think clearly
- Close doors between you and the fire
- Stuff clothing or towels in cracks to keep smoke and gases out
- Open a window at the top to let out heat and smoke collecting near the ceiling
- Open a window at the bottom and bend down to get fresh air
- Never open a window if smoke is rising from a lower floor
- Stand near a window and attract attention by waving a flashlight, sheet or other light-colored cloth
- If there is a phone in the room, call 911 and report your exact location
If Your Clothes Catch Fire...
- Stop where you are
- Drop to the floor
- Roll slowly on the floor or ground using a rug or blanket
- Cool off as soon as possible with water. If burns are severe, seek medical attention immediately
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Online Fire Safety Resources
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