How to Prevent House Fires

Did you know that unattended cooking is the leading cause of house fires, followed by smoking and heating equipment? Once a fire starts, it takes only minutes to engulf a house in flames. Although the number of house fires in the United States has declined in recent years, the majority of fire-related deaths occur in a home. Knowing basic fire safety tips will help you prevent a life-threatening tragedy like a house fire.

Working smoke alarms give you early warning so you can get outside quickly.

• Test your smoke alarm batteries once a month.
• Replace batteries in battery-powered and hard-wired smoke alarms at least once a year.
• Install smoke alarms in every bedroom and outside of all sleeping areas.
• Smoke alarms should be on the ceiling or high on the wall.
• Smoke alarms should be at least 10 feet from the stove.
• Use interconnected smoke alarms, so that they all sound when one sounds.
• Smoke alarms are available for people who are hearing impaired that use strobe flashing lights to warn of possible fire.

When a fire starts, every second counts. That’s why it’s important to have an escape plan that you can practice to help you get outside as quickly as possible.

• Make sure children know what to do when they hear a smoke alarm.
• Make sure you have a fire extinguisher, and know how to properly use one.
• Find two ways to get out of each room, and know the safe meeting place outside of your house.
• Make sure windows aren't stuck and collapsible ladders are near second story windows.
• Practice Stop, Drop, and Roll if your clothes should catch fire.
• Establish a family emergency plan to determine who will call 9-1-1 and who to contact if you cannot find one another

Take these fire safety measures to reduce the risk of a fire in your home.

• Remove lint from your dryer filter. Clogging the vent with lint could force lint on the heating coils causing a fire hazard.
• Sweep your chimney. Cleaning the chimney will prevent creosote buildup and ensure your fireplace or pellet stove runs safely and efficiently.
• Keep matches and lighters in child safe spaces.
• Regularly clean and service your home’s heating source.
• Never leave a burning candle unattended.
• Fix all exposed or frayed wires or plugs, and don't overload electrical power strips.

Kitchens are the most likely areas for a fire to start, so it's important to be safe and aware when you're cooking. 

•  Grills should be 10 feet away from siding and decks.
• If you’re cooking, boiling, or grilling, stay in the kitchen and check it regularly using a timer.
• Wear tight-fitting clothes while cooking.
• Keep kids and pets away from the stove and oven.
• Clear the area around your stove and oven of anything that can catch fire.
• Make sure to turn off all kitchen appliances before you leave your house or go to bed.
• Never pour water on grease fires. Place the lid over the pan and move the pan to a burner that is turned off.

Smokers should know these fire safety tips that will keep their families safe from fire started from unattended or improperly disposed of smoking materials.

•  Smoke outside and completely put out butts in water or sand before putting them in an ashtray or trash can.
• Don’t smoke in a home where oxygen is used, as it is highly flammable and makes fire burn faster and hotter.
• Never smoke in bed especially when you’re tired or medicated.

Follow these tips for how to use alternative heating devices safely.

•  Never use your oven or range to heat your home.
• Use a protective fire screen in front of your fireplace to catch sparks and keep the fire logs inside the fireplace.
• Keep flammable items like beddings, clothes, and paper at least three feet away from space heaters, stoves, and fireplaces.
• If you’re using a space heater, be sure to set it on a level, hard surface, away from drapes, bedding, and rugs.
• Buy space heaters that have safety measures built in and shut off automatically if the heater falls over.
• Make sure fires are completely out and space heaters are turned off before leaving home.