Fire Safety in the Home
Resources to Protect Your Family
Fires are a tragic occurrence that can have a life changing effect on many aspects of your life. For this reason, it’s important for everyone in your family to be aware of proper fire prevention and safety. House fires can be highly dangerous, even deadly. Each year, thousands of children suffer mild to serious injuries as a result of fire-related situations, including nearly 500 fatalities. Most fires can be prevented with common sense and simple fire safety techniques that will help you and your family stay safe even in the event of a fire.
Fire Prevention
Preventing a fire in the home can be accomplished by being prepared and cautious of hazards. Smoke detectors should be installed in every room of the home, especially the bedrooms and the kitchen. Keep fire extinguishers available in a known place and ensure that every family member knows how to use them. Fire hazards, such as matches and lighters, are to be kept out of reach of young children. Families should develop an escape plan and practice it regularly to ensure that everyone is prepared in the event of a fire. Children should know to dial 911 as soon as a fire is noticed to get help fast.
- The Police Notebook – Home Fire Safety
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention – Fire Prevention
- New York City Fire Department – Fire Prevention Resources
- Home Safety Council – Fire Prevention Tips
- Fire Prevention Tips – Fire Safety Facts [PDF]
- Kids Health – Fire Safety
- PBS Kids – Fire Safety
- Direct Home and Community – Fire Safety in the Home
- Safe Kids USA – Fire Prevention Tips
- Working Together for Home Fire Safety – Factsheet [PDF]
Fire Dangers
Understanding the dangers associated to fires can help you better prevent them. When cooking on the stovetop, always keep panhandles inwards to avoid knocking them over. Use caution when dealing with flammable liquids and lock them away from small children. Candles, stoves and other flames should never be left unattended. Look for worn out electrical cords or appliances and replace them as needed. Never overload electrical strips or wall sockets with too many plugs. Space heaters are also a major fire hazard and can be dangerous if not properly maintained. Knowing and understanding these common fire dangers is the first step to preventing them.
- County Fire Service – Common Causes of Fire
- American Red Cross – Fire Safety
- Seasonal Fire Safety Tips – Winter Fire Safety Tips
- Human Resources and Skills Development – Common Causes of Fire
- U.S. Department of Homeland Security - Fire
- Miami-Dade County Fire Rescue Department – Home Fire Hazards
- Home and Community – Fire Hazards [PDF]
- Community Emergency Response Team – Fire Hazards in the Home & Workplace
- University of Rochester – Fire Hazards
- Essex County Fire & Rescue Squad – Common Causes of Fire
If Caught in a Fire
If you are ever caught in a fire, it’s important to remember not to panic. Small fires should be put out with a fire extinguisher if possible. Large fires or fires that begin to spread should be left for firefighters. Call the fire department as soon as possible and follow your family’s escape plan to exit the building. Cover your face with a towel or cloth to avoid breathing in too much smoke. Feel the doorknobs for heat before opening any door. Never run into a burning building for any reason. If the fire is outdoors, try to extinguish it with a blanket or sand.
- Ready Georgia – Get Ready for House Fires
- Division of Fire and Rescue – Plan Your Escape
- U.S. Fire Administration – Escaping From Fire Lesson
- City of Round Rock – Home Fire Escape Plan
- Detroit Fire Department – Protect Yourself
- State Emergency Management Agency – Preparedness Before, During and After a Fire
- Town of Highland – Know When to Go! React Fast to Fire!
- Palo alto Medical Foundation – Fire Safety
- Millikin University – What to Do If Trapped in a Burning Building
- Burn Institute – Family Escape Plans
Fire Safety Resources and Tips
Knowing the proper prevention and fire safety techniques is important for both children and adults to learn. These fire facts are highly useful in stressful situations and may be essential for your survival in the event of a fire. By following these simple fire safety techniques, you can help keep your family safe at home, camp or wherever you may be. If you ever become caught in a fire, you will have the proper know-how to escape safely without harm.
- Prevention 1st Foundation – Home Fire Drill
- City of Plano Fire Department – React to Fire
- How to Prepare for Fire – Are Your Prepared?
- Stop, Drop, Roll, Cool, and Call – Lesson Plan [PDF]
- Fire Safety Facts – Facts About Fire Safety in the United States
- KFST – Kids Fire Safety Tips
- Hartford Junior Fire Marshal Program – Fire Safety Education
- San Diego Fire-Rescue Department – Fire Safety Tips
- Kid Safety – Do You Know What to Do In Case of a Fire?
- Scholastic – Fire-Safety Student Printables