Advice for preparing, planning, and practicing a fire escape plan, plus basic advice for preventing fires in your home
advertisementPrepare and practice your fire escape plan, and do all that you can to prevent fires at home
advertisementA fire plan (along with smoke detectors) can be the difference between life and death when a fire occurs in your home. Flames and smoke can engulf your home or apartment in a matter of minutes, which is why your family should plan, prepare and practice a fire plan.
advertisementCooking fires are the number one cause of home fires and injuries. Electric ranges and stoves have a higher incidence of fires but gas stoves have a greater rate of fire deaths or injuries.
advertisementDon't walk out of the kitchen while cooking on the stovetop; keep a close watch of what's in the oven.
advertisementKeep the area clear of possible combustibles--oven mitts, rags, food packaging.
advertisementKeep kids and pets about 3 feet away from the stove.
advertisementDon't wear lose, dangling sleeves; they can catch fire on the stovetop.
advertisementDon't use a wet oven mitt; there's a potential scalding hazard.
advertisementIf a small pan fire starts, put on an oven mitt and carefully put the lid over the pan. Turn off the jets.
advertisementDo not pour water on a grease fire and don't extinguish pan fires with a fire extinguisher, as it might spread the fire by shooting the grease throughout the kitchen.
advertisementFor an oven fire, close the door and turn off the heat.
advertisementFor a microwave fire, keep the door closed and disconnect the plug.
advertisementIf any fires become uncontrollable, implement your family evacuation plan and call the fire department immediately.
advertisementElectrical fires are responsible for 1 in 12 home fires. Most electrical fires are a result of outlets that are faulty and have old wiring. Here's what you can do to prevent these preventable fires:
advertisementCheck, repair, or replace worn or frayed electrical wires.
advertisementDon't run extension cords under carpets or rugs.
advertisementIf you have small children, always place safety covers over electrical outlets.
advertisementRead and follow the manufacturer's recommendations for electric appliance use.
advertisementReplace outlets that are hot to the touch or cause lights to flicker.
advertisementPlace lamps and other light sources away from combustible or flammable materials.
advertisementDon't overload outlets; if you have a high-wattage appliance, consider plugging it in to its own outlet.
advertisementHeating devices are the leading cause of home fires in December, January, and February. Here's how you can minimize the dangers to your family:
advertisementBuy a quality, certified space heater with an Underwriter's Laboratory safety listing and have it installed by a qualified technician. Make sure that the unit will automatically shut off if it is knocked over.
advertisementKeep the space heater about 3 feet away from walls or anything else that can burn.
advertisementTurn off space or portable heaters whenever you leave the house.
advertisementIn rooms heated with gas-fueled devices, adequate ventilation is crucial for safety; check manufacturer's recommendations.
advertisementHave your wood and coal stoves, fireplaces, and chimneys professionally inspected each year.
If you have a wood burning stove, only use properly seasoned wood. The U.S. Department of Energy recommends a moisture content of 20-25 percent for wood stoves. Never use green wood, as it is full of harmful creosote.
advertisementEnsure that your fireplace has a sturdy screen that prevents sparks or hot ashes from flying around the room.
advertisementAlways supervise your children around hot stoves, fireplaces, and heating devices.
advertisementDo not allow kids to play or go near any home heating device. Create a safe zone around these devices into which they may not pass.
advertisementTragically, indoor smoking (cigarettes, cigars, pipes, other) is the leading cause of fire death in the country. Approximately 25 percent of all fire deaths are caused by careless smoking.
advertisementIf you must smoke at home, the most common materials associated with smoking-related deaths are mattresses, bedding, and upholstery.
advertisementTo keep it safe and healthy for your family, smoke outdoors.
advertisementIf you are drowsy, on heavy medication, or intoxicated never smoke in bed or on upholstered furniture.
advertisementDon't put ashtrays on couches, sofas, or any other upholstered piece of furniture. When you flick your ashes, make sure they go into your ashtray and not onto your furniture or carpeting.
advertisementRun your extinguished butts and ashes under water before throwing them in the trash.
advertisementRemember to keep your lighters and matches well out of the reach of your young ones. Little ones are very curious and will grab your lighter or matches while you're not looking.
