The importance of Fire Safety in your Home cannot be understated. Most fires can be stopped before they even start by using a range of common sense fire prevention techniques. If a fire does start in your home being prepared can be the difference between life and death. Being prepared can also be the difference between losing your entire home or sustaining a lesser level of property damage or loss.
Education on fire safety is the number one prevention for loss of life and property from fire. The information you need is free and readily available.
The information on this page is provided by the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) which is part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Links to USFA and to other in depth resources are at the bottom of this page. |
| The foundation of fire safety is preparedness, prevention and response. |
Preparedness
- Plan and Practice a Fire Escape Plan
- Install and Test Smoke Detectors
- Have Fire Extinguishers installed
- Know the different types of Fire Extinguishers and how to use them
- Know how to put out a stove top fire
- Install fire ladders where needed
- Keep escape routes clear
- Be sure windows can be opened
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Prevention
In The Bedroom
- Bedrooms are the most common room in the home where electrical fires start.
- Do not trap electric cords against walls where heat can build up.
- Only use lab-approved electric blankets and warmers. Check to make sure the cords are not frayed.
- Never smoke in bed.
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Children
- At home, children usually play with fire - lighters, matches and other ignitables - in bedrooms, in closets, and under beds. These are "secret" places where there are a lot of things that catch fire easily.
- Keep matches and lighters locked up and away from children.
- Check under beds and in closets for burnt matches, evidence your child may be playing with matches.
- Teach your child that fire is a tool, not a toy.
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In the Kitchen
- Cooking equipment, most often a range or stovetop, is the leading cause of reported home fires and home fire injuries in the United States.
- The leading cause of fires in the kitchen is unattended cooking.
- Stay in the kitchen when you are frying, grilling, or broiling food. If you leave the kitchen for even a short period of time, turn off the stove.
- Plug microwave ovens and other cooking appliances directly into an outlet. Never use an extension cord for a cooking appliance, as it can overload the circuit and cause a fire.
- Keep anything that can catch fire - potholders, oven mitts, wooden utensils, paper or plastic bags, food packaging, towels, or curtains - away from your stovetop.
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During the Heating Season
- Take extra care when using portable heaters. Keep bedding, clothes, curtains and other combustible items at least three feet away from space heaters.
- Have your fireplaces and chimneys inspected and cleaned.
- Keep trash and other items away from furnaces and heaters.
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Around the House, Basement, Garage
- Never leave candles or open flames unattended
- Store all flamable liquids in their proper containers and away from any heat sources
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| Response |
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Other Resources
http://www.homesafetycouncil.org
https://www.usfa.dhs.gov/index.shtm
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A Directory of Home Professionals and Resources
