General Fire Safety Tips

In Case of Emergency Dial 9-1-1!

Dial 911 for all emergencies!

Plan an Escape Route

Sit down with your family and work out an escape plan in advance. Be sure that everyone knows at least two unobstructed exits - including windows - from every room. If you live in an apartment building use the stairs and never use the elevator to escape. Decide on a meeting place outside where everyone will meet after they escape. Be sure to practice the escape plan with your family!

Care for Smoking Materials Properly

Careless smoking is a leading cause of fire deaths in North America. Smoking in bed or when you are drowsy could be fatal. Provide smokers with large, deep, non-tip ashtrays, and soak butts with water before discarding them. Before going to sleep or leaving home after someone has been smoking, check under cushions and around upholstered furniture for smoldering cigarettes.

Matches & Lighters Are Not Toys

Use child-resistant lighters and store all matches up high, where kids cannot see or reach them. Teach children that lighters and matches are tools for grown-ups only. Teach young children to tell an adult if they find matches or lighters; older children should bring any such items they find to an adult immediately.

Cook Safely

Cook safely and always stay nearby to monitor it closely. Keep cooking areas clear of combustibles, and wear clothes with short, rolled-up, or tight-fitting sleeves when you cook. Turn pot handles inward on the stove where you cannot bump them and children cannot grab them. If grease catches fire in a pan, slide a lid over the pan to smother the flames and turn off the heat source. Leave the lid on until the pan is completely cool.

Space Heaters & Portable Heaters

Keep space heaters and portable heaters at least 3 feet away from anything that can burn. Keep children and pets away from heaters, and turn them off when you leave home or go to sleep.

Use Electricity Safely

Use electricity safely, and if an electric appliance smokes or has an unusual smell, unplug it immediately, then have it serviced before using it again. Replace any electrical cord that is cracked or frayed. Plug only one electrical cord into each receptacle. Avoid running any cords under rugs. Never tamper with your fuse box or use improper size fuses.

Cool a Burn

Cool a burn by running cool water over it for 10 to 15 minutes. Never apply ice, and never put butter or any other grease on a burn. If the burned skin blisters or is charred, see a doctor immediately.

Crawl Low Under Smoke

If you encounter smoke while you are escaping from a fire, use an alternative escape route. If you must escape through smoke, crawl on your hands and knees, keeping your head 12 to 24 inches above the floor, where the air will be cleaner.

Stop, Drop, & Roll

If your clothes catch fire, do not run. Stop where you are, drop to the ground, cover you face with your hands, and roll over and over to smother the flames. Cool any burns with water and call for help.