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Reviewed 9/29/2023
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<h2>Fire Safety</h2>
Learn about some of the steps you can take to prepare for or prevent fire 
Heat safely: 
Have your chimney and furnace professionally inspected and cleaned each year. Cover the fireplace with a screen. And keep flammable items at least 3 feet from space heaters, fireplaces and other heating equipment. 
Make an escape plan: 
 Develop an escape plan showing two ways out of every room. Make sure the plan includes a designated meeting place outside the home. Give every family member a copy of the plan and practice fire drills. 


Install smoke alarms: 
Install smoke alarms in every bedroom, on every level of your home (including the basement) and outside all sleeping areas. Test each smoke alarm once a month. Replace the batteries at least once a year. 
Keep fire extinguishers handy: 
Mount fire extinguishers in the high on the wall, near an exit and away from heat sources. Learn how to use the extinguishers before there is an emergency. 
Cook safely: 
Keep a lid or a baking sheet nearby when cooking. Use it to cover a pan that catches fire. 
If you leave the kitchen, turn the burners off. Also, turn burners off if you see smoke or if grease starts to boil. 
Avoid electrical hazards: 
Never overload outlets or extension cords. Check appliance cords regularly. Replace cords that are cracked or frayed. Have a professional replace light switches that are hot to the touch and lights that flickers. Use GFCI (ground fault circuit interrupter) outlets, especially in areas with water sources, like the kitchen. 
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Sources
<ul>
 <li>American Red Cross. &ldquo;Fire Safety Equipment.&rdquo; <a href="https://www.redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-for-emergencies/types-of-emergencies/fire/fire-safety-equipment.html#Fire-Extinguishers" target="_blank">https://www.redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-for-emergencies/types-of-emergencies/fire/fire-safety-equipment.html#Fire-Extinguishers</a>.</li>
 <li>National Safety Council. &ldquo;Fire Safety.&rdquo; <a href="https://www.nsc.org/community-safety/safety-topics/emergency-preparedness/fire-safety" target="_blank">https://www.nsc.org/community-safety/safety-topics/emergency-preparedness/fire-safety</a>.</li>
 <li>U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. &ldquo;What Is A GFCI?&rdquo; <a href="https://www.cpsc.gov/s3fs-public/099_0.pdf">https://www.cpsc.gov/s3fs-public/099_0.pdf</a>.&nbsp;</li>
 <li>U.S. Fire Administration. &ldquo;Heating Fire Safety.&rdquo; <a href="https://www.usfa.fema.gov/prevention/home-fires/prevent-fires/heating/" target="_blank">https://www.usfa.fema.gov/prevention/home-fires/prevent-fires/heating/</a>.&nbsp;</li>
 <li>U.S. Fire Administration. &ldquo;Prevent Kitchen Fires.&rdquo; <a href="https://www.usfa.fema.gov/downloads/pdf/publications/kitchen_fires_flyer.pdf" target="_blank">https://www.usfa.fema.gov/downloads/pdf/publications/kitchen_fires_flyer.pdf</a></li>
 <li>U.S. Fire Administration. &ldquo;Smoke Alarms.&rdquo; <a href="https://www.usfa.fema.gov/prevention/home-fires/prepare-for-fire/smoke-alarms/index.html" target="_blank">https://www.usfa.fema.gov/prevention/home-fires/prepare-for-fire/smoke-alarms/index.html</a>.&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

Fire safety at home

Learn what you can do to prevent and prepare for a fire.