Home Safe: Fire Safety
WHY FIRE SAFETY?
Home fires are preventable. Cooking is the leading cause of home fires in the United States, starting almost half of all fires. Heating is the second highest cause, followed by electrical systems/lighting equipment and intentional fires. When fires happen, an estimated 70 percent of residential fire fatalities occur in homes without working smoke detectors.
Here are six tips to get you started now.
#1 Prevent kitchen fires - Keep stovetops and ovens clear of grease. Turn off appliances before leaving the kitchen. Keep flammables off the stove.
#2 Keep it clean - Remove clutter in every room. Clean the lint trap in your dryer every time that you dry a load of laundry. Clean the dryer vent at least once a year.
#3 Extension cords and power strips - Use the right type extension cord based on the application - heavy duty for things like space heaters. Do not put cords under rugs.
#4 Tools for your home - Install and test smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, and fire extinguishers.
#5 Have a plan - Make fire and emergency plans for your family, including a common meeting place in case of emergency.
#6 Be ready for Fire Department and EMTs - Make an emergency medical information sheet for everyone in your home. Here is a form showing the information you should include.
Resources
Emergency Medical Information Form showing the information you should include for each member of your home.
