Install smoke detectors on each level of your home.

• Be sure to check closed doors for heat before opening if you hear the smoke detector alarm.
• Test detectors monthly and replace batteries once per year. A good time to replace them is when you “fall back” at Daylight Saving Time! Change your clocks, change your batteries.
• Detectors more than 10 years old should be replaced.
• For complete and extra protection, consider installing automatic fire sprinklers.
  
  

Plan your escape.

• If a fire breaks out in your home you need to get out fast. Sit down with your family and design an escape plan with a pre-arranged outside meeting place. Practice your plan!
• Be sure that everyone knows at least two unobstructed ways out-doors and windows-from every room.
• Apartment residents should never use an elevator in a fire emergency-always use the stairs.
  
  

Cook carefully.

• Never leave cooking unattended.
• Keep cooking areas clear of combustibles and wear clothes with short, rolled-up or tight-fitting sleeves.
• Turn pot handles inward on the stove where you can’t bump them and children can’t grab them.
• Enforce a “kid-free” zone three feet around your kitchen stove.
• Cover a grease fire with the pan lid to smother the flames, leaving the lid on until completely cool. Never use water and be sure to turn off the heat source.
  
  

Keep an eye on smokers.

• Careless smoking is the leading cause of fire deaths.
• Never smoke in bed or when drowsy.
• Provide large, deep ashtrays that won’t tip.
• Soak cigarette butts in water before discarding.
• Before going to bed or leaving home after someone has been smoking, check under and around cushions, furniture and bedding for smoldering cigarettes.
  
  

Crawl under smoke.

• If you must escape through smoke, crawl on your hands and knees, keeping your head 12 to 24 inches above the floor where the air is cleaner.
• If you encounter smoke or flames while you are escaping, use an alternate route.
  
  

Stop, Drop and Roll.

• If your clothes catch fire, DON’T RUN because oxygen feeds the fire!
• Stop where you are, drop to the ground, cover your face with your hands and roll over and over to smother the flames.
  
  

Give Space Heaters space

• Keep portable heaters and space heaters at least 3 feet away from anything that can burn.
• Keep children and pets away from heaters.
• Never leave a heater on when you leave home or go to bed.
  
  

Matches and Lighters are tools, not toys!

• Use child-resistant lighters.
• Store all matches and lighters up high, preferably in a locked cabinet.
• Teach young children that matches and lighters are tools, not toys and are to be used by adults only.
• Teach young children to tell a grownup if they find matches or lighters; older children should bring them to an adult immediately.
  
  

Cool a burn.

• Run cool water over a burn for 10-15 minutes.
• Never apply ice.
• Never use butter or any other grease on a burn. It seals in the heat and can damage the tissue further.
• If the burned skin blisters or is charred, see a doctor immediately.
  
  

Use electricity safely.

• If an electric appliance smokes or has an unusual smell, unplug it immediately. Have it serviced before using again.
• Never leave holiday lights plugged in when you are not at home.
• Keep dryer lint filters and vents clean.
• Replace cords that are cracked or frayed.