Fire Safety Tips

🔥 FIRE EXTINGUISHER TIPS 🔥

• Always know where your fire extinguisher is and make sure you can reach it easily.

• Use the P.A.S.S. method: PULL the pin, AIM at the base of the fire, SQUEEZE the handle, and SWEEP side to side until the fire is out.

• Never use an extinguisher if the fire is big or spreading fast—get out and call for help instead.

• Make sure your extinguisher is checked regularly and hasn’t expired.

🕵️‍♂️ SMOKE DETECTOR CARE 🕵️‍♀️

• Test your smoke detector every month by pressing the test button.

• Change the batteries at least once a year, or anytime it “chirps” to tell you the battery is low.

• Replace any smoke alarm that’s more than 10 years old.

• Make sure you have a working smoke alarm inside every bedroom and on every floor of your home.

🧠 EXIT PLAN: THINKING AHEAD 🧠

• Know two ways out of every room in your home in case the main exit is blocked.

• Pick a safe meeting spot outside where everyone will go after leaving the building.

• Practice your escape plan at least twice a year so everyone knows what to do.

• Stay low under smoke (crawl if you need to), cover your nose and mouth, and never go back inside once you’re out.

🍳 KITCHEN FIRE SAFETY 🍳

• Stay in the kitchen when you’re cooking—especially when using oil or frying foods.

• Grease fires are very fast: if oil catches fire, don’t throw water on it—use a lid to smother it or use a fire extinguisher made for grease.

• Keep flammable items (like towels, paper, or wooden utensils) away from the stove and hot surfaces.

• Clean grease and food residue from the kitchen vents and hood regularly—these build up and make fires more likely.

⚡ ELECTRICAL HAZARDS ⚡

• Don’t overload outlets with too many plugs or use extension cords like a permanent solution.

• Replace any frayed or damaged cords—and never run cords under rugs or furniture.

• Make sure large appliances are plugged directly into a wall outlet, not just into a power strip.

• If an outlet or switch feels hot, or you see sparks or smell burning, disconnect it and call a professional.

🏠 FIREPLACE & CHIMNEY SAFETY 🏠

• Keep a screen or glass door in front of the fireplace so sparks and embers can’t fly out.

• Have your chimney and flue inspected and cleaned at least once a year—creosote buildup can cause chimney fires.

• Use only dry, seasoned wood; avoid burning cardboard, paper, or trash.

• Make sure the damper is open before you start a fire, and close it only once the fire is completely out.

🔥 FURNACE SAFETY & SPACE HEATERS 🔥

• Have your furnace checked and cleaned every year by a qualified technician.

• If you use a space heater, keep it at least 3 feet away from anything that can burn (furniture, curtains, bedding).

• Always plug space heaters directly into the wall—don’t use extension cords.

• Never leave a space heater running overnight or when you’re sleeping—turn it off if you leave the room.

👕 CLOTHES DRYER FIRE SAFETY 👕

• Clean the lint trap every time you use the dryer. Lint buildup is a top cause of dryer fires.

• Have your dryer’s vent system cleaned at least once a year so air can flow freely.

• Don’t overload the dryer—it needs space to let air escape safely.

• Immediately stop using the dryer if it smells like it’s burning or the clothes are much hotter than usual.

⛽ FLAMMABLE LIQUID SAFETY ⛽

• Store flammable liquids (gasoline, paint thinner, solvents) in sealed, approved metal containers—away from living areas and heat sources.

• Never pour these liquids down drains or into trash—this can cause fires or explosions.

• Always buy only as much as you need and dispose of old liquids safely—don’t let them sit for years.

• When using them, make sure the area is well ventilated and no flames or sparks are nearby.

🚬 SMOKING SAFETY TIPS 🚬

• If you smoke, only do it outside. A lot of house fires start because someone fell asleep with a lit cigarette or cigar.

• Use deep, sturdy ashtrays and empty them into a metal container with water before you throw them away.

• Never smoke in bed, when drowsy, or when using oxygen—it’s far too risky.

• Keep all lighters and matches out of reach of children and teach them that they’re not toys.

👶 CHILDREN FIRE SAFETY TIPS 👶

• Teach children: never play with matches, lighters or fire. If they find one, tell an adult.

• Make sure they recognize the sound of a smoke alarm and know that means get out now.

• Practice a fire escape plan with your family and let children help pick out the meeting spot outside.

• Teach them STOP, DROP and ROLL if their clothes catch fire—and to stay away from heaters, stoves, and fireplaces.

Extinguisher Demo