Fires

Home Fire Safety Checklist

Simple Changes That Could Save Your Life
(Click here for Wildfire Information)

Change Your Smoke Alarm Batteries
The IAFC and fire experts nationwide encourage people to change smoke alarm batteries at least annually. An easy way to remember to change your batteries is when you turn your clock back in the fall. Replace old batteries with fresh, high quality alkaline batteries, such as Energizer brand Batteries, to keep your smoke alarm going year-long.

Check Your Smoke Alarms
After inserting a fresh battery in your smoke alarm, check to make sure the smoke alarm itself is working by pushing the safety test button.

Count Your Smoke Alarms
Install at least one smoke alarm on every level of your home, including the basement and family room and, most important outside all bedrooms.

Vacuum Your Smoke Alarms
Each month, clean your smoke alarm of dust and cobwebs to ensure their sensitivity.

Change Your Flashlight Batteries
To make sure your emergency flashlights work when you need them, use high-quality alkaline batteries. Note: Keep a working flashlight near your bed, in the kitchen, basement and family room, and use it to signal for help in the event of a fire.

Install Fire Extinguishers
Install a fire extinguisher in or near your kitchen and know how to use it. Should you need to purchase one, the IAFC recommends a multi- or all-purpose fire extinguisher that is listed by an accredited testing laboratory such as Underwriters Laboratory.

Plan and Practice Your Escape
Create at least two different escape routes and practice them with the entire family. Children are at double the risk of dying in a home fire because they often become scared and confused during fires. Make sure your children understand that a smoke alarm signals a home fire and that they recognize its alarm.

As part of the "Change Your Clock, Change Your Battery" annual home-fire safety campaign, Energizer brand Batteries, the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) and your local fire department urge you to adopt a simple, potentially lifesaving habit: change the batteries in your smoke alarms when you change your clocks back to standard time this fall.

Consider The Following:

Each day, an average of three kids die in home fires - 1,100 children each year. About 3,600 children are injured in house fires each year. 90 percent of child fire deaths occur in homes without smoke alarms.
Although smoke alarms are in 92 percent of American homes, nearly one-third don't work because of old or missing batteries.
A working smoke alarm reduces the risk of dying in a home fire by nearly half.
"Change Your Clock, Change Your Battery" campaign sponsors encourage you to arm yourself against home fires by taking some basic home fire safety precautions, including installing fresh batteries in smoke alarms. Enclosed is a checklist of activities to help you prepare for a home fire and protect yourself and your loved ones.

Fire Do's & Don'ts: Throughout the house . . .

Don't be one of the 5,600 Americans who die in fires every year. Follow these easy tips to stay safe in your home.
Do install a smoke detector on every level.
Do plan your escape routes in case fire does strike

Bedroom

Don't smoke in bed.
Don't place heaters within 3 feet of flammable materials.
Don't use heaters to dry clothes.
Don't use extension cords with portable heaters.
Don't leave heaters unattended or sleep while they are one.
Do unplug heaters after you turn them off.

Living/Family Room

Don't put ashtrays on chairs or sofa arms.
Don't staple electrical cords to walls or otherwise pierce the insulation
Don't leave unattended cigarettes burning in ashtrays.
Don't run electrical cord under rugs, over nails or in high traffic areas.
Do clean chimneys yearly.

Kitchen

Don't leave food unattended on the stove. If you must leave the kitchen, take a utensil along as a reminder.
Don't cook while wearing sleeves that can dangle near burners.
Don't let grease build up on your stove or oven.
Don't let crumbs build up in your toaster.
Don't overload electrical outlets with appliances
Don't let curtains hang near your range
Do check the kitchen before bed. Oven off?
Coffee pot unplugged?
No small pans on large burners or large pans on small burners
Dish towels not used as potholders.
Turn pot handles away from front of stove

Safe At Home . . . Fire Prevention Checklist

Smoke Detectors placed near bedrooms and on every level.
Smoke Detectors' batteries checked monthly.
Emergency numbers posted near telephone
Doors, hallways, and stairs clear of obstructions.

Electrical Safety

No flammable materials (such as furniture, clothes, curtains or towels) within 3 feet of space heaters or stoves.
No flammable liquids stored near ignition sources.
No frayed or cracked electrical cords.
No electrical cords under rugs, over nails or in high traffic areas.
No overloaded electrical outlets or extension cords.
No electrical cords near sink or range.
All fuses in fuse box are correct size.
All outlets have cover plates and no exposed wiring.

Alternate Heater Safety

Plug heaters directly into the wall socket and unplug when not in use.
No alternate heaters placed where they can be knocked over.