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Fires in homes are most often caused by
cooking accidents, smoking or unsafe use of woodstoves or space heaters.
Here are some things you can do to avoid a home fire or protect yourself
during a fire.
Protecting against fires
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Install smoke detectors in or near all
sleeping areas and on every level of your home, including the
basement. Check smoke detectors on a regular basis and replace the
batteries twice yearly.
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Have A-B-C type fire extinguishers. Teach
family members how to use them.
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Know the location of all exits including
windows. If you live in an apartment, count the number of doorways
between your apartment and the two nearest exits.
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Know two ways out of every room in case
smoke or flames block your primary exit.
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Choose a meeting place outside the home.
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Have an escape plan and practice it with
your family. This will help ensure you can get out quickly when
there is no time for mistakes.
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Keep folding or chain style ladders
stored in each upstairs bedroom.
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Use alternative heat sources, such as
woodstoves or space heaters, safely:
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Never use gas ovens, gas ranges,
barbecues, or most portable or propane heaters for indoor heating.
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Have fire-fighting materials available:
dry powder, fire extinguisher, heavy tarp or blanket, and water.
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Before using an alternative heat source,
read the manufacturer's instructions.
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Do not smoke in the bedroom, on the couch
or anywhere you might fall asleep while smoking.
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Sleep with your bedroom door closed.
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Make sure your house number is clearly
visible from the street and that fire trucks can reach your home.
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Have fire-fighting materials available:
dry powder, fire extinguisher, heavy tarp or blanket, and water.
If fire strikes
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If there is a fire — evacuate. Do not go
back inside. Call 9-1-1 from a neighbor's house.
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Never use water on an electrical fire.
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Smother oil and grease fires in the
kitchen with baking soda or salt, or put a lid over the flame if
it is burning in a pan.
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If caught in smoke — drop to your hands
and knees and crawl; breathe shallowly through your nose and use
your blouse, shirt or jacket as a filter.
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If you must move through flames — hold
your breath, move quickly, cover your head and hair, keep your
head down and close your eyes as much as possible.
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If your clothes catch fire, “stop, drop
and roll” until the fire is out.
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If you are in a room and cannot escape,
leave the door closed, stay low to the floor and hang a white or
light-colored sheet outside the window.
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Be sure all family members are accounted for. If someone is
missing, let the fire department know.
Revised - October 2006
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This file is available for print