Fire

If you are subject to one of the 406,000 home or office fires that occur annually in the U.S., your evacuation plan can become a lifesaver. Make sure you have one.

Procedure

Stop - If you discover a fire, remain calm, alert those nearby, and listen for announcements. If you’re at work, pull the fire alarm.

Assess - Consider your options.

• Using a fire extinguisher is a good option provided you have one nearby and know how to use it. Don’t take on the job unless the fire is modest in size, contained, and you are sure you can manage it safely.
• Recall your fire evacuation plan, including the safest escape route.

React - Ensure the safety of yourself and others as you respond.

• If the fire is located in an office or area that can be contained by closing a door, close it.
• Follow your emergency evacuation plan.
• Alert those nearby.
• Close doors as you exit.
• Carry your mobile phone and identification.
• Keep out of harm’s way.
  • Do not use elevators.
  • If smoke blocks your primary exit, use another one.
  • If you have no way to avoid smoke, crawl out staying as close to the ground as possible.
  • While exiting, ensure doors are cool before opening them.
  • Provide assistance to those in need.
• Ensure the fire department has been called, and if not, call 911!
• Meet at the location designated in your evacuation plan.
• Do not re-enter the building, until told it’s safe to do so by an appropriate authority.

To learn more visit Home Fire Prevention and Safety Tips. Opens an external site

Are You Ready?

Smoke Alarms

• One smoke alarm on every level of the home.
• Smoke alarm batteries should be changed semi annually.
• Smoke alarms are changed at least every 10 years.

Cooking Safety

• Cooking area is free from items that can catch fire.
• Kitchen stove hood is clean and vented to the outside.
• Pots are not left unattended on the stove.

Electrical & Appliance Safety

• Electrical cords do not run under rugs.
• Electrical cords are not frayed or cracked.
• Circuit-protected, multi-prong adapters are used for additional outlets.
• Large and small appliances are plugged directly into wall outlets.
• Clothes dryer lint filter and venting system are clean.

Candle Safety

• Candles are in sturdy fireproof containers that won’t be tipped over.
• All candles are extinguished before going to bed or leaving the room.
• Children and pets are never left unattended with candles.

Carbon Monoxide Alarms

• Carbon monoxide alarms are located on each level of the home.
• Carbon monoxide alarms are less than 7 years old.

Smoking Safety

• Matches and lighters are secured out of children’s sight.
• Ashtrays are large, deep and kept away from items that can catch fire.
• Ashtrays are emptied into a container that will not burn.

Heating Safety

• Chimney and furnace are cleaned and inspected yearly.
• Furniture and other items that can catch fire are at least 3 feet from fireplaces, wall heaters, baseboards, and space heaters.
• Fireplace and barbecue ashes are placed outdoors in a covered metal container at least 3 feet from anything that can catch fire.
• Extension cords are never used with space heaters.
• Heaters are approved by a national testing laboratory and have tip-over shut-off function.

Home Escape Plan

• Have two ways out of each room.
• Know to crawl low to the floor when escaping to avoid toxic smoke.
• Know that once you’re out, stay out.
• Know where to meet after the escape.
• Meeting place should be near the front of your home, so firefighters know you are out.
• Practice your fire escape plan.