Protect Yourself

Prevention is the best way to keep your home safe from fire.

Be Kitchen Wise

• Always set a kitchen timer to remind you to turn off burners and the oven.
• Keep all kitchen appliances in good condition, and have any worn electrical cords or plugs replaced.
• Keep stove surfaces free of clutter and built up grease.
• Never leave cooking unattended.
• Wear clothes with tight-fitting sleeves when you cook.

Be Smoker Wary

• Empty ashtrays often, wetting the contents before dumping them.
• Never smoke in bed or while you are on medication that could make you drowsy or disoriented.
• Provide smokers with large, deep, non-tip ashtrays.
• When leaving a room where someone has been smoking, check cushions and furniture for smoldering butts or matches.

Give Space Heaters Space

Keep portable and space heaters at least 3 feet (1 meter) from everything - including you. Just brushing against one could set your clothing on fire.

Install Smoke Detectors

Your local fire department can help you identify the best places to install smoke detectors. Be sure to have smoke detectors outside all sleeping areas and on every level of your home, including the basement. Test your smoke detectors weekly, and change their batteries once a year or when you hear the detector "chirp" to warn you that its battery power is low. If you sleep in a room with the doors closed, it's a good idea to install a smoke detector inside the room as well. If you are hearing impaired, use smoke detectors that have blinking lights.