Action Tips: 6 Ways to Prevent Fires in Your Home

The best way to prevent fires and injury is to be prepared beforehand. Go over these prevention techniques with your family so that you guys are ready in the event of a fire. 

Prevent fires caused by cooking

• Don't leave cooking food/grills unattended.
• Keep things that can burn (think dishtowels, paper or plastic bags) at least three feet away from the stove top.
• Loose-fitting clothes can catch on fire, so be sure to roll up long sleeves.
• Keep grills at least ten feet away from other objects.

Prevent fires caused by heating

• Store matches and lighters in a locked cabinet.
• Keep things that can burn (ie your bed, curtains, blankets) at least 3 feet away from space heaters/fireplaces.
• Have a service person inspect chimneys, wood/coal stoves and central furnaces once a year. 

Prevent fires caused by smoking

• Smokers should use "fire-safe"cigarettes and smoke outside.
• Use large, deep ashtrays on sturdy surfaces, like a table.
• Douse cigarette/cigar butts with water before dumping them.

Prevent fires caused by candles:

• Never leave burning candles unattended. 
• Always use stable, candle holders made of material that won’t catch fire.
• Blow out candles before you leave the room.

Prevent fires caused by flamable products

• Store gasoline in a garage/shed in the appropriate containers.
• Never bring or use gasoline indoors. And use it as a motor fuel only.
• Close the lid on all dangerous products and put them away after using them. 
• Don’t plug in too many appliances at once.

Keep your family safe at home

• Make a fire escape plan for your family.
  • Find two exits out of every room. Pick a meeting place outside. Practice makes perfect – hold a family fire drill at least twice each year.
• Install smoke alarms on every level of your home.
  • Test them monthly to make sure they work.
  • Put in new batteries once a year.
• Know to “Stop, Drop, Roll and Cool” if clothes catch fire by dropping. .
• Learn how and when to use a fire extinguisher. 

For more info on fire safety and other related stats, check out our resources section. GO

Sources:

Home Safety Council