Home Fire Safety

Fire is FAST!
In less than 30 seconds a small flame can get completely out of control and turn into a major fire. It only takes minutes for thick black smoke to fill a house. In minutes, a house can be engulfed in flames. There is only time to escape.

Fire is HOT!
Heat is more threatening than flames. A fire's heat alone can kill. Inhaling super hot air will scorch your lungs. The heat can melt clothes to your skin.

Fire is DARK!
Fire starts bright, but quickly produces black smoke and complete darkness.

Fire is DEADLY!
Smoke and toxic gases kill more people than flames do. Fire uses up the oxygen you need and produces smoke and poisonous gases that kill.

You and your family can help make your home safer from fire. Here's how:

• Turn pot handles toward the center of the stove. They should never hang over the edge where someone could bump into them and knock them off the stove.
• Never put anything over a lamp, like clothes or a blanket, not even when playing.
• Don’t let children touch radiators or heaters.
• Don’t let children stand too close to the fireplace or a wood stove. They could get burned or their clothes could catch fire.
• Don’t leave matches, lighters, or candles where children can reach them.
• Don’t let children play with electrical cords.
• Never let children stick anything into an electrical socket.
• Turn off lights, stereos, TVs and other electrical equipment when you are finished using them.
• Ask your family about their home fire escape plan. Ask where to meet outside if there is a fire.
• Make sure you know two ways to escape from every room.

In the event of a fire:

• Escape first, then call for help.
• Never stand up in a fire; always crawl low under the smoke and try to keep your mouth covered.
• Never return to a burning building for any reason.

This information comes from The United States Fire Administration (USFA), a division of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). To learn more about fire safety, visit http://www.usfa.fema.gov/.