Fire Safety

Did you know that the #1 cause of home fires is stove fires? 40% of all home fires originate at the stove top. Even though a stove fire may be small in size, it can fill a home with smoke very quickly. Smoke inhalation is the #1 cause of fire related deaths.

Here are a few safety tips to keep in mind before and during a home fire:

Simple things to do to prevent and prepare for a fire:

• Test your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors to make sure they are operational

• Practice your fire evacuation/exit drill

• Designate a meeting place where all family members will meet, so you’ll know who has exited safely and who may be in need of assistance by the Fire Department

• Don’t overload wall outlets or power strips

• Put glow in the dark tape on doorways, windows and stairs to make them easier to locate in a smoke-filled room

• Include 1 week of your medications in your emergency evacuation kit

• Take photos or a video of the contents of your home to make the insurance claims process run more smoothly in case you experience a fire, flood or tornado.

• If your bedroom is on a 2nd or 3rd floor, consider purchasing a fire escape ladder if you can use it safely.

• Make sure family members know how to use a fire extinguisher and where they are stored in the house.

Helpful hints should a fire occur:

• If you can do so safely, grab your emergency evacuation kit on your way out the door. Plan to strop, drop and roll if necessary. Exit as quickly as possible.

• If you’re in a room with a closed door, feel the door with the back of your hand before opening it. If the door is hot, don’t open it.

• If you’re trapped in a room and can’t exit safely, close the door to minimize the smoke, open the window to get fresh air and wave a towel or piece of clothing out the window to assist fire fighters in identifying your location.

• Your first priority is to get out. You can call the fire department from a neighbor’s house once you are safe.