Fire

🔥 Fire Safety & Preparedness Guide

✅ Getting Prepared: Fire Prevention & Readiness Tips

🚨 Smoke Alarms

  • Install smoke detectors on every level of your home:
    • Outside each sleeping area
    • At the top of open stairways and bottom of enclosed stairs
    • Near (but not inside) the kitchen
  • Test monthly and replace batteries twice a year (use Daylight Saving Time changes as reminders).
  • Clean detectors monthly to remove dust and debris.

🏃‍♂️ Escape Planning

  • Plan two escape routes from every room.
  • Practice your escape plan at least twice a year.
  • Choose a family meeting place outside the home.
  • Teach everyone to stay low to the floor to avoid smoke inhalation.
  • Ensure windows open easily and security bars have a quick-release mechanism.
  • Contact the fire department for assistance in planning escape routes for individuals with disabilities.

🔌 Electrical & Heating Safety

  • Inspect appliances and cords annually for:
    • Bare wires
    • Worn plugs
    • Loose connections
  • Clean and inspect heating equipment (primary and secondary sources) annually.
  • Learn how to shut off gas and electricity in an emergency.

🔥 Flammable Materials

  • Declutter storage areas.
  • Store flammable liquids in approved containers, kept in the garage or outside.
  • Never store combustibles near heat sources.

🧯 Fire Extinguishers

  • Install A-B-C rated extinguishers and teach all family members how to use them.
  • Inspect or service extinguishers annually.

🔥 In Case of Fire: What To Do

  • Do not attempt to fight a large or fast-growing fire. Leave the building and call 9-1-1.
  • For small fires:
    • Use water or an extinguisher on paper or wood fires.
    • Never use water on electrical fires.
    • Smother grease or oil fires with baking soda, salt, or a lid — never water.

👨‍🚒 During a Fire: How to Escape Safely

  • If your clothes catch fire: Stop, Drop, and Roll until the fire is out.
  • Sleep with your bedroom door closed to slow the spread of fire.
  • If a smoke alarm sounds:
    • Stay low to the ground to avoid smoke.
    • Feel the bottom of the door with your hand:
      • If hot, escape through a window.
      • If cool, exit through the door, staying low to the ground.
    • If escape is not possible, close the door, stay in place, and hang a white or light-colored sheet out the window to signal for help.

🧹 After a Fire: Recovery Steps

  • Do not re-enter the burned structure until cleared by authorities.
  • Notify your local disaster relief agency if you need shelter, clothing, or food.
  • Call your insurance agent to report the fire and begin a claim.
  • Ask the fire department for help retrieving important documents.
  • Keep all records of clean-up and repair expenses.
  • Secure your personal belongings.
  • If you rent, notify your landlord immediately.
  • Do not throw away damaged property until a full inventory is completed for insurance.