Fire Prevention

Every year, U.S. fire departments respond to approximately 399,000 fires. Fires kill nearly 4,000 people annually, including about 100 firefighters lost in the line of duty. Fires injure many more people and result in hundreds of millions of dollars in property damage. These statistics are made even more tragic by the fact that many fires could have been prevented.

Fires can be prevented with a little common sense. Review these important tips about fire safety.

Cooking accidents are the leading cause of house fires. Never leave cooking unattended. If you cook on a gas stove with an open flame, don’t wear loose sleeves as these can drag into the flame.

Loose clothing, dish towels, and curtains are a danger around flame sources, including candles. Use care with open flame sources.

Place fire extinguishers near ALL potential fire hazards, like stoves and fireplaces.

Keep clutter away from heaters, water heaters, furnaces, stoves, and ovens. Clean lint regularly from your clothes dryers.

Fire alarms cut the danger of being hurt or killed in a fire by 50%. Two-thirds of all fire deaths occur in homes with no working smoke alarms. Test fire alarms once a month. Replace batteries at least once a year. Install fire alarms in or near every bedroom and on each level of your home, including the basement. If you have an oil- or wood-fired heating system, also use a carbon monoxide alarm.

Devise an escape plan in case of fire. Designate two exits from every room. Practice regularly. Put fire ladders in all rooms above ground level. Teach everyone the “Stop, drop, and roll” technique.

Teach kids that matches, lighters, and candles are not toys. If you suspect that a child is playing with fire, check for telltale signs, like burned matches under beds and in closets. Store matches and lighters in a secure spot.

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