Fire Prevention Tips for Families

Keep Your Home Safe

• Install smoke alarms on every level of your home and inside sleeping areas.
• Test smoke alarms once a month and replace batteries at least once a year.
• Keep a fire extinguisher in the kitchen and know how to use it.
• Never leave cooking food unattended, especially when frying or grilling.
• Keep matches, lighters, and candles out of children’s reach.
• Blow out candles before leaving a room or going to sleep.
• Avoid overloading electrical outlets and replace damaged cords.

Kitchen Safety

• Stay in the kitchen while cooking on the stove.
• Keep towels, paper products, and oven mitts away from heat.
• Turn pot handles inward to prevent spills and burns.
• Teach children that the stove and oven are not play areas.

Heating Safety

• Keep space heaters at least 3 feet away from anything that can burn.
• Turn off heaters before leaving the room or going to bed.
• Have fireplaces and chimneys cleaned regularly.
• Never use an oven to heat your home.

Create a Family Fire Escape Plan

• Make a map of your home with two exits from every room.
• Choose a safe meeting place outside.
• Practice fire drills with the whole family at least twice a year.
• Teach children how to call 911 in an emergency.
• Remind everyone to stay low under smoke while exiting.
• If a fire happens get out fast and stay out.
• Never go back inside for belongings or pets.
• Call 911 from outside the home.
• If clothes catch fire: Stop, Drop, and Roll.

Safety Tips for Children

• Teach children not to hide during a fire.
• Help them recognize the sound of smoke alarms.
• Practice opening windows and doors safely.
• Remind children to tell an adult if they find matches or lighters.

Quick Fire Safety Checklist

• Smoke alarms working
• Escape plan practiced
• Emergency numbers posted
• Fire extinguisher available
• Exits clear of clutter