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Fire Prevention / Tips​
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More than 5,000 Americans die each year in fires and approximately 21,000 are injured. An overwhelming number of fires occur in the home. Fire safety and survival begin with everyone in your household being prepared. Follow these safety measures to reduce the chance of fire in your home:
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Develop a fire escape plan for your family that identifies two exits out of every room and an established meeting place outside.
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Consider escape ladders for sleeping areas on the second or third floor.
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Learn how to use them and store them near the window.
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Make sure all windows open and are not painted shut.
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Visit the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) website for more information.
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Escape Safely
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If you see smoke or fire in your first escape route, use your second way out. If you must exit through smoke, crawl low under the smoke to your exit.
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If you are escaping through a closed door, feel the door before opening it. If it is warm, use your second way out. Caution everyone to stay low to the floor when escaping from fire and never open doors that are hot!
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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.
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Teach every family member to “Stop, Drop and Roll” if clothes catch fire.
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Once you are out, stay out! Do not re-enter the home. Call the fire department from a neighbor’s home.
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Practice makes perfect – hold a family fire drill at least twice each year.
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