Fire Preparedness

Smoke Alarms
Carbon Monoxide

Before a Home Fire

  • Install smoke alarms on every level of your home and outside every sleeping area. Test them once a month and replace the batteries at least once a year. Purchase smoke alarms here.        
  • Teach children what smoke alarms sound like and what to do when they hear one. 
  • Ensure that all household members know two ways to escape from every room of your home and know the family meeting spot outside of your home.
  • Establish a family emergency communications plan and ensure that all household members know who to contact if they cannot find one another.
  • Practice escaping from your home at least twice a year. Press the smoke alarm test button or yell “Fire“ to alert everyone that they must get out.
  • Make sure everyone knows how to call 9-1-1.
  • Teach household members to STOP, DROP and ROLL if their clothes catch on fire. 
  • Install a carbon monoxide alarm in a central location outside each separate sleeping area. 
  • Make sure your house number is easily readable from the street, even at night.
  • Make sure your home heating sources are clean and in working order. 
  • Use kerosene heaters only if permitted by law. Refuel kerosene heaters only outdoors and after they have cooled.
  • Check electrical wiring in your home:
    • Fix or replace frayed extension cords, exposed wires, or loose plugs.
    • Make sure wiring is not under rugs, attached by nails, or in high traffic areas.
    • Make sure electrical outlets have cover plates and no exposed wiring.
    • Avoid overloading outlets or extension cords.
  • Purchase only appliances and electrical devices (including space heaters) that bear the label of an independent testing laboratory.
  • Store combustible materials in open areas away from heat sources. Place rags used to apply flammable household chemicals in metal containers with tight-fitting lids.
Oven Fire
Dryer Fire Safety
Stay in the Kitchen