Fires: How to Protect Yourself and Your Family

Fire is a serious hazard that can cause injury, death, and extensive property damage. In 2006, fires killed more Americans than all natural disasters combined, and they cost billions in damages each year. Many fires are preventable—learning safety tips can help keep you safe.

By understanding fire risks and knowing what to do, you can help protect yourself, your family, and your community.

Common Causes of Fires

• Cooking accidents

• Faulty electrical wiring or appliances

• Heating equipment, such as space heaters

• Candles left unattended

• Arson or intentionally started fires

• Wildfires in forested or rural areas

How to Prevent Fires at Home

• Install smoke alarms on every level of your home and near bedrooms. Test them monthly.

• Keep matches and lighters away from children.

• Check electrical wiring regularly; replace frayed cords and avoid overloading outlets.

• Keep flammable materials—such as curtains, paper, or clothing—away from heat sources.

• Never leave cooking or heating appliances unattended.

• Use space heaters safely: keep them at least 3 feet from combustible items, and unplug when not in use.

• Maintain chimneys and fireplaces; have them inspected and cleaned annually.

• Clear dead or overhanging tree limbs near your home to reduce wildfire risk.

What to Do if a Fire Starts

1. Alert and Escape: 

• Yell “Fire!” multiple times to alert others.

• If you hear a smoke alarm or see flames, get out immediately.

• Crawl low under smoke to breathe cleaner air.

• Never use an elevator during a fire. Use stairs instead.

2. Use a Fire Extinguisher if Safe: 

• Remember the PASS technique: Pull, Aim, Squeeze, Sweep.

• Only attempt to extinguish small fires—leave large fires to the professionals.

3. If You Cannot Escape: 

• Close doors and windows to contain the fire.

• Seal gaps with wet towels to block smoke.

• Call 911 or your local emergency number from a safe location.

• Signal for help with a bright cloth or flashlight.

4. Once Out: 

• Go to your predetermined meeting place outside and away from the fire.

• Do not re-enter the building until authorities say it’s safe.

Wildfire Safety Tips

• Clear flammable vegetation and debris from around your home—at least 30 feet of defensible space.

• Use fire-resistant roofing materials.

• Keep garden hoses and fire tools ready.

• Follow all local burning laws—never burn during dry weather or near your home.

• Prepare a fire evacuation plan, practice it, and know your escape routes.

After a Fire

• Stay away from damaged buildings—they may be unstable.

• Check your home for hot spots, sparks, or embers that could reignite.

• Be cautious of hazardous materials or chemicals.

• If you have a propane or fuel tank, have it inspected before using.

• Wear protective gear, such as masks and gloves, when cleaning up debris.

• Contact local authorities before disposing of household hazardous waste.

Myths About Fire

• Myth: Opening windows reduces heat build-up.
  Fact: Keep windows closed to prevent wind from fueling the fire and debris from entering.

• Myth: Fire can’t start if you’re careful.
  Fact: Even small sparks or unattended cooking can cause serious fires—always stay alert.

• Myth: Fires only happen in winter or cold weather.
  Fact: Fires can happen anytime, especially during dry, hot seasons.

Remember: Stay Calm and Act Quickly

You don’t need to be a firefighter to stay safe during a fire. Your best tools are early detection, quick action, and following safety procedures. Practice your fire escape plan regularly, install smoke alarms, and keep fire extinguishers handy.

Together, we can prevent fires and respond effectively—until professional fire crews arrive.