Seven Ways to Prevent Fires at Home

How To Be Fire Safe

Fire departments respond to a home fire every 88 seconds on average in the United States, according to the National Fire Protection Association. Help prevent fires from happening in your home and keep your family safe by following the seven tips below.

1. If You Smoke, Smoke Outside

• If you use oxygen, never smoke near the tank, even when you’re not using it.
• Never smoke in bed or when you’re drowsy.

2. Don’t Allow Others to Smoke in Your Home

• If people do smoke in your home, provide them with deep, sturdy ashtrays.
• Wet the cigarette butts and ashes before you throw them in the trash, or bury them in sand.

3. Give Space Heaters Space

• Keep space heaters at least three feet away from anything that can burn—including you.
• Shut off and unplug heaters when you’re not using them.

4. Be Kitchen Wise

• Do not leave the kitchen when something is cooking.
• Don’t cook if you are drowsy.
• If a pan of food catches fire, slide a lid over the pan and turn off the burner.
• Keep a fire extinguisher nearby.
• Use oven mitts to handle hot pans.
• When you’re cooking, wear tight-fitting or rolled-up sleeves.

5. Install Smoke Alarms and Carbon Monoxide Alarms

• Change the batteries every year.
• Have alarms installed outside all sleeping areas and on every level of your home.
• Have them tested once a month.
• Make sure alarms are interconnected so that when one sounds, they all sound.

6. Stop, Drop and Roll

If your clothing catches on fire, take these steps:

• Stop (don’t run)
• Drop gently to the ground and cover your face with your hands.
• Roll over and over, or back and forth, to put out the fire.
• If you can’t drop and roll, smother the flames with a towel or blanket.
• If you have a burn, run cool water over it for three to five minutes to cool it. Then get medical help right away.

7. Plan and Practice Your Escape Route

• Know two ways out of every room in your home—even if one is a window.
• Make sure windows and doors open easily.
• In a fire, get out quickly and stay out.
• Have a telephone in your bedroom so you can call if you become trapped.
• Call 911 after you have escaped from your home.

*The content on this website is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Please consult a physician regarding your specific medical condition, diagnosis and/or treatment.