What you need to know about Fire Safety

In one year, fire departments respond to about 400,000 residential fires that claimed the lives of over 3,100 people. You can protect your family by installing working smoke alarms, teaching safety practices, planning escape routes, and checking your home for fire hazards.

How can I keep my child safe?

Detectors and Extinguishers

Install smoke detectors and make sure they are in working condition. Put these detectors in your home especially near bedrooms.

Test detectors each month to make sure they are working. Everyone should know the sound it makes when it goes off.

Replace batteries at least once a year.

Keep them free of dust. Vacuum them by running the vacuum cleaner attachment around them.

It’s a good idea to hang a fire extinguisher near or in the kitchen. An extinguisher will enable you to put out a small fire quickly and effectively. Make sure you know how to use the extinguisher. Contact your local fire department for advice

The first line of defense against fire is prevention. You and your family can help make your home safer from fire. Check your home for where possible fire problems exist.

Kitchens

Keep electrical wires away from ovens and stoves.

Curtains, towels, and potholders are flammable. Keep them away from stoves and toasters

Keep your oven and stove top clean. Any build up of fats and foods can start a fire.

Keep the toaster free from crumbs.

If your stove is gas, make sure you have adequate ventilation and that it is working properly. If you smell a gas order, call your utility company IMMEDIATELY.

Water and electricity do not mix. Make sure plugs, wires are not near water.

If you're called away while cooking, turn off the oven. Don't leave pans on the heat. It's the easiest thing in the world to forget about them. If you have to leave the house, turn off the oven.

Install safety devices for stove knobs so children can’t turn them on.

Never store cookies, candies or treats in a cabinet above the stove. Children may start a fire or get burned when trying to reach them.

Bedrooms

Before using an electric blanket, check it for creases and folds that can damage its wiring. Make sure it has a thermostat that will turn off the power if it overheats. Electric blankets should be replaced after 10 years.

If you use a portable heater, keep it near a wall away from furniture and curtains. Teach children to stay at least three feet away from it. Do not dry clothing on the heater.

Never use candles as nightlights in bedrooms.

Do not smoke in bed. More fires are started by people who fall asleep while smoking.

Living Room and Around the Home

Cover electrical sockets with plastic covers. Do not overload electrical sockets.

Check wires and extension cords for frays and wear. Replace them. Do not put wires under carpeting or rugs where they can become worn from being stepped on.

If you have a wood burning fireplace, have the chimney checked out by a professional chimney sweep.

Keep matches and lighters out of the reach of children.

Use proper ashtrays and empty them often. Wet the ashes before emptying them.

Candles are romantic and throw a soft light.  If you use candles, put them in candle holders that will not fall over. Put all candles on heat resistant surfaces. Never leave candles burning in a room if no one is there or while sleeping.

Store flammable liquids and solvents in a childproof and fireproof container away from heat or the sun. Use only in a well-ventilated room. Never light a match while using them.

What should children know about fire safety.?

Toddlers

Toddlers can learn that radiators, ovens, lamps, heaters, are “hot.” They will actually enjoy showing off their knowledge. “No” is a powerful learning tool. Candles, matches, stoves, heaters, barbecues, electrical sockets, extension cords are things that are “no.”

Older Children

By the time they turn four, children can also start to understand the things they can do to stay safe.  By talking to children, and setting a good example, you can help them learn:

Never hang clothing, blankets, or any kind of fabric over a lamp..

Radiators and heaters may be hot. Do not touch them. Ask an adult to turn a heater on or off for you.

Stay at least three feet from a fire or heater. You could get burned or your clothes could catch fire.

If you see matches or lighters in a room, tell an adult right away. Do not touch them.

Don't cook alone. Ask an adult to help you.

Never touch pots or pans on the stove.  They could be hot.

Electrical cords carry a strong current. Never play with them.

Ask a parent to help you plug things into an electrical socket. Never do this alone.

Turn off lights, stereos, TVs and other electrical equipment when you’re done using them.

Teach children that in the event of a fire:

You must never open any door in a fire before you feel the door first. Start at the bottom and then work your hand up the door to see if it is hot. A hot door means there may be fire on the other side. Get out another way.

You must stay low to the floor when escaping a fire because smoke rises,. Crawl on hands and knees. The air is better lower to the ground.

You must get out of the home immediately. Do not stop to get dressed, grab a pet, or dial 911.

Once you get outside, don’t go back in unless a parent or firefighter tells you it’s safe.

If their clothing catches fire, to “stop, drop, and roll.” Explain that air helps a fire get bigger. If they stop, drop to the ground, they can put the fire out by rolling on it.  By rolling on the fire, they smother it.

Be Prepared

Have the phone number of your fire department handy.
Plan and practice escape routes from all the rooms in your home. [SF: Link to escape plan printable.]

Use common sense at all times.

Where to get help and more information

This site gives general fire safety information and lists product recalls for items that may catch on fire. There is also a children’s page.

Sparky the Fire Dog is a site for children. It features games, puzzles, and information on fire safety.  

Contact your local fire department for information about safety issues in your home and instruction on how to use your fire extinguisher.

In the event of a fire.

Call 911.

Have Emergency Numbers handy. Print out and fill in the Emergency Sheet that follows the Escape Route Guidelines. Hang it near or behind your front door. Make sure your children, babysitters, and neighbors know where it is.

HELP YOUR FAMILY MAKE AN ESCAPE PLAN

Good escape plans help you out of your home quickly and calmly in the event of a fire. Plan and practice escape routes with your family on a routine basis.

Find two ways out from every room in your home. The door should be the first way out.

Make sure all family members know how to open the security bars on windows and doors in your home, if you have them.

Pick a safe and easy-to-remember place outside the home to meet your family after you get out.

After you get out, call 9-1-1 or the fire department.

Stay outside no matter what. Don't go back for anything! Firemen are trained and equipped to enter a burning house. You are not.