Around the House

The majority of fire deaths happen in the home. Residents of your community can benefit from a home fire safety inspection program. Home inspections provide an opportunity to inspect for fire safety issues in the home, provide measures to improve residents' safety, and increase fire safety and awareness outreach.

• Install a working smoke alarm on every floor, inside and outside every sleeping room.
• Carbon monoxide detectors should be installed in homes that use gas for heating or cooking.
• Have an escape plan from every room, including on floors above ground. Plan on two ways out; door and window.
• Practice fire drills often from different parts of the home.
• Keep stairs and hallways free of clutter and trip hazards.
• Use only the proper size light bulb in lamps and fixtures.
• Extension cords should only be used on temporary bases. Unplug cords when not in use.
• Install cover plates on outlets and switches to reduce shock hazards.
• Identify a safe meeting place outside the house. This will allow the Fire Department to quickly identify if someone is trapped inside.
• If your house has security bars on the windows or doors, can they be easily opened from the inside? Is everyone familiar with their operation?
• Are the smokers in the home? Are lighters and matches out of reach from children?
• Empty ashtrays only after all ashes have cooled.
• Don't leave candles unattended. Blow them out before you leave the room.
• Turn pot handles to the inside on the stovetop.
• Stay in the kitchen when you're cooking.
• Keep embers in the fireplace by installing a screen and log rack.
• Have the fireplace chimney cleaned before use.
• Keep a 3ft. clean area around water heaters.
• Have your heating unit checked before using it to ensure proper operation.
• Keep a 10ft. buffer zone between the house and woodland areas.
• Remove overhanging tree branches around electrical wires and rooftops.