Fire Prevention Tips

Fire Safety Starts at Home

As firefighters, our mission is to protect lives and property during emergencies — but the best emergency is the one that never happens.

Many residential fires can be prevented by taking simple safety precautions around your home. The following fire prevention tips can help reduce the risk of fires, improve family safety, and better prepare your household in the event of an emergency.

If you have questions regarding fire prevention or home safety, please contact Jefferson Fire Company No. 1 by phone or email.

Smoke Detector Safety

Smoke detectors provide an early warning during a fire and can save lives.

Smoke Detector Tips:

• Install smoke detectors outside all sleeping areas.
• Place smoke detectors on every level of your home.
• Test smoke detectors monthly.
• Replace batteries at least once a year or whenever you hear a chirping sound.
• Replace smoke detectors according to manufacturer recommendations.
• Make sure every family member knows what the alarm sounds like.

Cooking Safety

Cooking is one of the leading causes of residential fires.

Cooking Safety Tips:

• Never leave cooking unattended.
• If you leave the kitchen, take something with you to remind yourself you are cooking.
• Keep children and pets away from the stove area.
• Avoid cooking while tired or under the influence of alcohol or medications that cause drowsiness.
• Regularly clean grease from stovetops, ovens, and countertops.
• Keep loose clothing away from burners.
• Turn pot and pan handles inward away from the edge of the stove.

Heating Safety

Heating equipment is a common cause of home fires during colder months.

Heating Safety Tips:

• Keep space heaters at least three feet away from anything combustible.
• Only use space heaters approved by recognized testing laboratories.
• Have heating systems professionally inspected before each heating season.
• Have chimneys inspected and cleaned annually.
• Always use a fireplace screen to prevent sparks from escaping.
• Keep fires small and manageable.
• Never burn trash or improper materials in a fireplace.
• Never store propane cylinders indoors.

Electrical Safety

Electrical hazards can quickly lead to dangerous fires.

Electrical Safety Tips:

• Ensure electrical circuits are not overloaded.
• Avoid plugging multiple heat-producing appliances into the same outlet or circuit.
• Install Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs) in kitchens, bathrooms, garages, and outdoor areas.
• Replace damaged or frayed electrical cords immediately.
• Avoid running cords under carpets, rugs, or doorways.
• Unplug and repair malfunctioning appliances that become hot or spark.

Home Escape Planning

Every family should have a home fire escape plan.

Escape Planning Tips:

• Practice home fire drills at least twice a year.
• Identify two ways out of every room whenever possible.
• Keep exits and escape routes clear and unobstructed.
• Designate a meeting location outside the home.
• Teach children how to safely escape and call 911.

If a fire occurs:

Get out, stay out, and call 911.

Additional Safety Tips

• Keep combustible materials away from furnaces and water heaters.
• Consider installing a residential sprinkler system when possible.
• Use TOT FINDER decals on children’s bedroom windows and doors to assist emergency responders.
• Store gasoline only in approved containers designed for flammable liquids.
• Never ignore signs of a potential hazard.

Protect Your Family

While no safety measure can completely eliminate the risk of fire or accidents, following these precautions can greatly reduce the chances of an emergency occurring.

Taking a few moments to prepare today can help protect your family tomorrow.

Remember:

If you suspect a fire or hazardous condition, evacuate immediately and call 911 from a safe location.