Fire Safety

Make Your Home Fire Safe

Consider having 1 or more working fire extinguishers in your home. Get training from the fire department in how to use them.
Consider installing an automatic fire sprinkler system in your home.
If people sleep with doors closed, install smoke alarms inside sleeping areas, too.
Smoke alarms become less sensitive over time. Replace your smoke alarms every 10 years.
Smoke alarms save lives. Install a smoke alarm outside each sleeping area and on each additional level of your home.
Use the test button to check each smoke alarm once a month. When necessary, replace batteries immediately. Replace all batteries at least once a year.
Vacuum away cobwebs and dust from your smoke alarms monthly.

Consider escape ladders for sleeping areas on the second or 3rd floor. Learn how to use them and store them near the window.
Determine at least 2 ways to escape from every room of your home.
Practice your escape plan at least twice a year.
Select a location outside your home where everyone would meet after escaping.

If smoke, heat, or flames block your exit routes, stay in the room with the door closed. Signal for help using a bright-colored cloth at the window. If there is a telephone in the room, call the fire department and tell them where you are.
If you are escaping through a closed door, feel the door before opening it. If it is warm, use your second way out.
If you see smoke or fire in your 1st escape route, use your 2nd way out. If you must exit through smoke, crawl low under the smoke to your exit.
Once you are out, stay out! Call the fire department from a neighbor's home.

Your local Red Cross chapter can provide additional materials in English and Spanish.