Prepare for Household Fires

Protecting Against Fires
  • Make sure your house number is clearly visible and fire trucks can reach your home.
  • Install smoke detectors outside all sleeping areas or in each bedroom and on every level of your home, including the basement.
  • Check smoke detectors on a regular basis and replace the batteries twice yearly.
  • Consider installing a residential sprinkler system.
  • Know the location of all exits. If you live in an apartment, count the number of doorways between your apartment and the two nearest exits. Be familiar with all exits, including the windows.
  • Plan your escape. Know two ways out of every room in case smoke or flames block your primary exit.
  • Choose a meeting place outside the home, and be sure all family members are accounted for. If someone is missing, let the fire Preparing for Household Fires department know. Do not go back inside. Practice your plan with all family members.
  • Escape plans and exit drills will help ensure that you can get out quickly when there is no time for mistakes.
  • Sleep with your bedroom door closed.
  • Keep folding/chain style ladders stored in each upstairs bedroom.
  • Mark bedroom windows outside of the building of children or others who may not be able to self-rescue.
  • Learn how to turn off gas and electricity in an emergency.
  • Install A-B-C type fire extinguishers; teach family members how to use them.
If Fire Strikes
  • If there is a fire - evacuate and call 9-1-1 from a neighbor's house.
  • Never use water on an electrical fire.
  • If caught in smoke - drop to your hands and knees and crawl; breathe shallowly through you nose and use your blouse, shirt or jacket as a filter.
  • If you are forced to advance through flames, hold your breath, move quickly, cover your head and hair, keep your head down and close your eyes as much as possible.
  • Smother oil and grease fires in the kitchen with baking soda or salt, or put a lid over the flame if it is burning in a pan.
  • If your clothes catch fire, "Stop, Drop and Roll" until the fire is out.
  • If you are in a room and cannot escape, leave the door closed, stay low to the floor, and hang a white or light-colored sheet outside the window.