Fire Prevention Week: Essential Fire Safety Tips for Your Home and Workplace

Fire Safety Tips for Your Home

1. Maintain Smoke Alarms

• Test smoke alarms monthly.
• Replace batteries at least once a year.
• Install smoke alarms inside bedrooms, outside sleeping areas, and on every level of your home.

2. Create an Escape Plan

• Develop a family fire escape plan with at least two exits from every room.
• Practice your escape plan regularly so everyone knows what to do in an emergency.

3. Practice Kitchen Safety

Cooking is one of the leading causes of house fires. Help prevent kitchen fires by:

• Never leaving cooking food unattended.
• Keeping towels, potholders, paper products, and other flammable materials away from the stove.
• Keeping a fire extinguisher accessible and knowing how to use it.

4. Use Heating Equipment Safely

As temperatures drop, space heaters become more common. Always:

• Keep space heaters at least three feet away from anything that can burn.
• Turn heaters off when leaving a room or going to sleep.

5. Inspect Electrical Systems

Faulty electrical equipment is a common fire hazard. Help reduce risks by:

• Replacing damaged cords.
• Avoiding overloaded outlets and power strips.
• Having older wiring inspected if needed.

6. Lithium Battery Safety

Never leave lithium-ion batteries charging unattended, and always use approved chargers to help reduce the risk of overheating and fire.