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10 Tips for Fire Safety

Fires and burns are among the causes of the five most common accidental injury deaths in the U.S. Many of these deaths are the result of smoke or gas inhalation and almost half of them take place in homes where smoke alarms are not installed. While the old adage, "stop, drop, and roll" is applicable if you ever find yourself or your clothing set afire, by learning a few other fire-prevention strategies, your family will be better prepared in the event of a fire.

  1. Plan Your Escape

    • Create an evacuation plan. Locate two routes of escape from every room in your home, and pre-arrange an outdoor meeting place in the event of emergency. Practice this plan at least twice a year.

    Install Smoke Detectors

    • Install smoke alarms on every floor of your home, and near every "sleeping room," as advised by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

    Clean Your Clothes Dryer

    • Fire risk increases when a clothes dryer vent or its exhaust duct is overrun with lint. To prevent this build-up, clean the lint screen or filter prior to or after each load, clean the dryer vent and exhaust duct occasionally, and clean behind the dryer.

    Check Hotel Safety

    • If you're planning a hotel stay, ask if the establishment has smoke alarms and fire sprinklers before making your reservation. Also, check for a fire evacuation plan near the elevator, staircase or in your room. If you can't locate one, request a copy from the front desk.

    Safety for the Disabled

    • Using proven safety methods can save the disabled from fire-related injuries. Enlist the help of someone you trust (e.g., a building manager, relative or close friend) and come up with a fire evacuation plan. Locate at least two exits from every room, practice opening locked or barred doors and windows, and leave all personal property behind in the event of a fire.
      Contact your local fire department for help with creating an escape plan that's based on your needs.

    Electrical Fire Prevention

    • Electrical fires kill 360 Americans annually, according to www.FireSafety.gov. The "misuse and poor maintenance of electrical appliances" is a big part of the problem. Buy electrical appliances that meet the Underwriter's Laboratory (UL) safety standards. Products must pass rigorous testing to obtain UL certification.

    Kitchen Fire Prevention

    • Leaving food unattended while cooking is the primary cause of kitchen fires. Stay in the kitchen while cooking, clean cooking surfaces to avoid grease buildup, and, turn pan handles inward to avoid spills. Never throw water on a grease fire. Place the lid on any in-pan fires.

    Elderly Fire Safety

    • According to www.FireSafety.gov, the leading causes of fire-related deaths in older Americans are kitchen fires, space heaters and smoking. With this in mind, the elderly should take a pot-holder or spoon with them when leaving the kitchen--as a reminder to return; purchase only UL-approved space heaters and avoid using them near combustibles; and ensure a smoke alarm and escape plan are in place.

    College Campus Fire Safety

    • Lack of knowledge is cited as the main cause of fire-related accidents on college campuses. The best way to protect yourself is to find out if your school has an evacuation plan, learn it, and follow it.

    Outdoor Fire Safety

    • With outdoor activities like fireworks, barbecues, and campfires ablaze in warmer weather, it's important that safety is maintained to prevent major disasters. This can be done by visiting public, professional fireworks displays--rather than hosting a backyard production; ensuring local outdoor campfire safety regulations are followed (e.g., keeping plenty of water and a shovel are available to put out the fire once you're done), and properly disposing of hot coals after cookouts.

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