Prevent & Prepare for Home Fires

1. Reduce Fire Risk
• Keep anything that can catch on fire at least three feet away from anything that gets hot, such as hot water heaters, furnaces, and space heaters.
• If you or others in your house smoke, take special precautions: Smoke outside, never smoke in bed, use and regularly clean ash trays
• Follow kitchen safety. Do not leave the kitchen when frying, broiling, or grilling. Stay in the home when baking, roasting, or boiling food
• Inspect the wiring. Eliminate worn or frayed wires. Don't overload circuits, and don't daisy chain extension cords. Make sure electrical outlets have proper covers, and GFCI circuits are installed on outlets within six feet of a water source.
• Store combustible material in cool dry areas away from heat sources.
2. Fire Safety Equipment
   • Smoke Detectors
   • At least on per floor, centrally located, including basement
   • One in each bedroom
   • One outside of each sleeping area
   • Fire Extinguishers
   • At least one on each floor
   • One within 30 feet of the kitchen, but no closer than 10 feet from stove/oven
   • Garage

    
3. Develop and Practice Evacuation
• Create a diagram of your house and identify at least two escape routes from each room
• Two level houses should have an emergency fire ladder in each bedroom
• Identify a place to meet after evacuation
• Conduct a drill at least once a year (more frequently with younger children)
4. Maintain Equipment and Plan
• Test smoke detectors and inspect fire extinguishers monthly
• Replace smoke detector batteries twice a year
• Fire extinguishers should be replaced every 10-years, or when there are signs of damage, or when they have been used

Many fire departments will take old fire extinguishers

TIP: Have family members practice with old fire extinguishers outside and without a fire. Or, but an extra fire extinguisher for this purpose

What to do if you do have a home fire

To extinguish a kitchen grease fire:

1. Place a lid or cookie sheet over the flames and turn off the heat source.
2. DO NOT pour water or flour over a grease fire

If a fire starts that can't be immediately extinguished:

1. GET OUT, yelling fire and closing any doors behind you
2. If you have to escape through smoke, crawl
3. Feel doors before opening them. If they are hot, use an alternate exit
4. Call 911
• Do not search for your phone. Get out and use a neighbors phone.

How to recover after a home fire

1. Ask a building inspector or the Fire Marshall if it is safe to enter.
2. Wear safety glasses, safety shoes, and a hard hat if your home has been badly damaged.

Check for loose power lines, broken or damaged gas lines, cracks in the foundation, or missing support beams

3. Do not force doors open - it may be providing structural support.
4. Locks and hinges should be thoroughly cleaned or replaced.
5. If you smell gas or hear a hissing noise, get away from the property immediately and call the fire department.
6. Beware of animals that may have entered your home.
\
7. Damaged furniture and stairs may be unstable. Be very cautious when inspecting them.
8. Disconnect and check all appliances and electronics before using them.
9. Take pictures of the damage.
10. Have an electrician inspect the wiring and electrical panel.