Follow these tips to help reduce the risk of fire in your home!

Correct Electrical hazards such as:

• ​Electrical cords under rugs, in walking pathways or pinched behind furniture​
• Overloaded outlets
• laptops and phones charging on beds or sofas
• use extension cords properly
• unplug appliances by grasping the plug
• use light bulbs with the correct wattage​​​

Give space heaters space

• Keep them at least 3 feet (1 meter) away from anything that can burn— including you. Shut off heaters when you leave or go to bed.

Stay in the kitchen when cooking

• Never leave cooking unattended. Wear form-fitting or short sleeves when cooking
• If a pan of food catches fire, slide a lid over it and turn off the burner. 
• Don't cook if you are drowsy from alcohol or medication.

Stop, drop, and roll if your clothes catch on fire

• Don't run.
• Drop gently to the ground, and cover your face with your hands. 
• Roll over and over to put out the fire. If burned, use cool water for 3–5 minutes to cool the burn. Get medical help.

Smoke alarms save lives

• Have smoke alarms installed on every level of your home, inside each bedroom, and outside each sleeping area. 
• For the best protection, use interconnected alarms. 
• Make sure everyone in your home can hear the smoke alarms. 
• Test the alarms monthly.

If you smoke, smoke outside

• Provide smokers with large, deep, sturdy ashtrays. 
• Wet cigarette butts before throwing them out or bury them in sand. 
• Never smoke in bed or if oxygen is used in the home.

Plan and practice your escape from fire and smoke

• Have two different ways out of every room. 
• Make sure you can open all windows and doors in the plan.
• In a fire, get outside quickly. If there is smoke, stay low and go. 
• Once outside, call the fire department. Wait for help outside.

Know your local emergency number

• Ask if it is 9-1-1 or a different number. 
• Have a telephone near your bed in case you are trapped by smoke and fire.

Plan your escape around your abilities

• Determine if anyone in the home will need assistance to get out safely. 
• Practice the plan twice a year both during the day and night. 
• Have necessary items near your bed, such as glasses, your walker, or your cane.