Fire Prevention

Educate About Fire Dangers: Teach children the hazards of playing with fire and the importance of reporting any fire-related incidents to an adult
Practice Fire Drills: Regularly practice home fire drills so children know how to escape safely in an emergency
Matches and Lighters: Keep matches and lighters out of reach and sight of children
Fire Safety Education: Engage in fun, educational activities like coloring books and videos that teach fire safety basics

Cooking Safety: Never leave cooking unattended, and keep flammable items away from the stove
Electrical Safety: Regularly inspect electrical cords and outlets for damage, and avoid overloading circuits
Smoking: Smoke outside the home, and properly extinguish cigarettes in a deep ashtray or water

Mobility Considerations: Ensure that escape routes are easily accessible and free of obstacles
Medication Awareness: Be mindful of medications that may impair your ability to respond quickly in an emergency
Fire Safety Devices: Consider installing fire safety devices specifically designed for seniors, such as bed shaker alarms

Heating Safety: Keep flammable objects at least three feet away from heaters, and have your heating system inspected annually
Holiday Safety: Be cautious with holiday decorations, ensuring lights are turned off when not in use and keeping live trees well-watered
Outdoor Fire Safety: Maintain a safe zone around your home by clearing dead vegetation and debris. Use fire pits and grills safely, keeping them at a safe distance from structures
Home Maintenance: Regularly clean chimneys and vents to prevent creosote buildup and inspect the roof and gutters for flammable debris

Installation: Install smoke alarms on every level of your home, inside bedrooms, and outside sleeping areas
Testing: Test smoke alarms monthly to ensure they are working correctly.
Battery Replacement: Replace batteries at least once a year or immediately if the alarm chirps, indicating a low battery
Replacement: Replace smoke alarms every 10 years or according to the manufacturer's instructions
Interconnected Alarms: Consider installing interconnected smoke alarms so when one sounds, they all sound, providing an early warning throughout the house

Placement: Place fire extinguishers in key areas such as the kitchen, garage, and workshop
Types: Ensure you have the correct type of fire extinguisher for different fire risks (Class A for ordinary combustibles, Class B for flammable liquids, Class C for electrical fires)
Usage: Learn how to use a fire extinguisher with the PASS method:
1. Pull the pin
2. Aim low at the base of the fire
3. Squeeze the handle
4. Sweep the nozzle from side to side
Maintenance: Inspect fire extinguishers regularly to ensure they are fully charged and in good working condition