Home Fire Prevention

Home fires are America's biggest disaster threat.  Use the following safety tips to keep your home and loved ones safe from fire: 

Make Your Home "Fire Safe"

• Install a smoke alarm outside and inside of each sleeping area and on each additional level of your home.

• Use the test button to check each smoke alarm once a month Replace all batteries once a year or when necessary.

• Vacuum away cobwebs and dust from your smoke alarms monthly. 

• Replace your smoke alarms every ten years. 

• Consider having one or more working fire extinguishers in your home. Get training from the fire department in how to use them. 

• Consider installing an automatic fire sprinkler system in your home.

Plan Your Escape Routes

• Determine at least two ways to escape from every room of your home.

• Consider escape ladders for sleeping areas on the second or third floor. 

• Select a location outside your home where everyone would meet after escaping.

• Practice your escape plan at least twice a year.

Escape Safely

• Once you are out, stay out! Call the fire department from a neighbor's home. 

• If you see smoke or fire in your first escape route, use your second way out. If you must exit through smoke, crawl low under the smoke to your exit. 

• If you are escaping through a closed door, feel the door before opening it. If it is warm, use your second way out.

• If smoke, heat, or flames block your exit routes, stay in the room with the door closed. Signal for help using a bright-colored cloth at the window. If there is a telephone in the room, call the fire department and tell them where you are.