Protecting Your Family and Home

Fire safety is everyone’s responsibility. By following these important fire safety tips and being prepared, you can protect your family and property from the devastating effects of fire.

Smoke Alarms

Smoke alarms are your first line of defense against fire. They provide critical early warning that can save lives.

Installation

• Install smoke alarms on every level of your home
• Place smoke alarms inside each bedroom and outside sleeping areas
• Install alarms on ceilings or high on walls (smoke rises)
• Keep smoke alarms away from cooking appliances to reduce false alarms

Maintenance

• Test smoke alarms monthly using the test button
• Replace batteries at least once a year
• Replace smoke alarms every 10 years
• Clean smoke alarms regularly by vacuuming dust and cobwebs
• Never disable a smoke alarm while cooking

Home Fire Escape Plan

Every family needs a fire escape plan. In a fire, you may have only minutes to escape safely.

Creating Your Plan

• Draw a floor plan of your home showing all doors and windows
• Identify two ways out of every room, if possible
• Make sure all escape routes are clear and doors/windows open easily
• Choose an outside meeting place a safe distance from your home
• Include everyone in your household in the planning process

Practicing Your Plan

• Practice your escape plan at least twice a year
• Practice at different times, including nighttime
• Teach children how to escape on their own if needed
• Practice crawling low under smoke
• Make sure everyone knows to “Get Out and Stay Out” – never go back inside

Kitchen Fire Safety

Cooking is the leading cause of home fires. Stay safe in the kitchen with these tips:

• Never leave cooking unattended
• Keep anything that can catch fire away from the stovetop
• Turn pot handles inward so they can’t be bumped
• Keep a lid nearby to smother grease fires – never use water on grease fires
• Have a fire extinguisher in the kitchen and know how to use it
• Keep children at least 3 feet away from the stove
• Wear short or tight-fitting sleeves when cooking

If a Pan Catches Fire

1. Turn off the heat source
2. Slide a lid over the pan to smother the flames
3. Leave the lid on until the pan cools completely
4. Never carry a burning pan outside
5. If you can’t safely put out the fire, evacuate and call 911

Heating Safety

Heating equipment is a leading cause of home fires during cold weather months.

Space Heaters

• Keep space heaters at least 3 feet from anything that can burn
• Turn off space heaters when leaving the room or going to bed
• Plug space heaters directly into wall outlets, never into extension cords
• Choose heaters with automatic shut-off features

Fireplaces and Wood Stoves

• Use a sturdy screen to prevent sparks from escaping
• Have chimneys inspected and cleaned annually
• Never use flammable liquids to start a fire
• Dispose of ashes in a metal container kept outside
• Keep flammable materials away from the fireplace

Electrical Safety

• Replace frayed or damaged electrical cords immediately
• Don’t overload outlets or extension cords
• Use surge protectors for electronics
• Have a qualified electrician inspect your home’s wiring regularly
• Never run cords under rugs or furniture
• Install tamper-resistant outlets if you have young children

Smoking Safety

If you smoke, take these precautions:

• Smoke outside whenever possible
• Use deep, sturdy ashtrays
• Never smoke in bed or when drowsy
• Keep smoking materials away from anything that can burn
• Completely extinguish cigarettes before disposal
• Never smoke around medical oxygen

Candle Safety

• Keep candles at least 12 inches from anything that can burn
• Use sturdy candle holders on stable surfaces
• Never leave burning candles unattended
• Extinguish candles before leaving the room or going to sleep
• Keep candles away from children and pets
• Consider using battery-operated flameless candles

Fire Extinguisher Safety

Choosing a Fire Extinguisher

• Keep a multi-purpose (ABC) fire extinguisher in your home
• Place extinguishers in the kitchen, garage, and near heating equipment
• Make sure everyone knows where extinguishers are located

Using a Fire Extinguisher – Remember PASS

1. Pull the pin
2. Aim low at the base of the fire
3. Squeeze the handle
4. Sweep from side to side

Important Notes

• Only fight small fires that are contained
• Always have an escape route behind you
• If the fire doesn’t go out immediately, evacuate and call 911
• Have fire extinguishers inspected annually

Children and Fire Safety

Teaching Fire Safety

• Teach children that matches and lighters are tools for adults only
• Store matches and lighters up high in locked cabinets
• Teach children to tell an adult if they find matches or lighters
• Show children how to stop, drop, and roll if their clothes catch fire
• Teach children to crawl low under smoke
• Never leave children home alone

Stop, Drop, and Roll

If your clothes catch fire:

1. STOP – Don’t run
2. DROP – Drop to the ground
3. ROLL – Roll over and over to smother the flames
4. Cover your face with your hands while rolling

Seasonal Fire Safety

Holiday Safety

• Keep Christmas trees watered daily
• Check holiday lights for damage before use
• Turn off decorative lights when leaving home or going to bed
• Keep decorations away from heat sources
• Never use candles on or near Christmas trees

Outdoor Fire Safety

• Check with local authorities before outdoor burning
• Never burn on windy days
• Keep water and tools nearby when burning
• Never leave outdoor fires unattended
• Fully extinguish fires before leaving

What to Do in a Fire

If You Discover a Fire

1. Get everyone out immediately
2. Call 911 from outside the home
3. Never go back inside for any reason
4. Meet at your designated meeting place

If You’re Escaping Through Smoke

• Crawl low under smoke
• Cover your nose and mouth with a cloth if possible
• Stay low where the air is cleaner

If You’re Trapped

• Close the door between you and the fire
• Seal cracks around the door with towels or clothing
• Call 911 and tell them exactly where you are
• Open or go to a window and signal for help
• Stay low if smoke enters the room

After a Fire

• Don’t enter the building until fire officials say it’s safe
• Contact your insurance company immediately
• Look for structural damage before entering
• Watch for hot spots that could reignite
• Throw away food exposed to heat or smoke
• Document damage with photos for insurance

Free Safety Resources

Palmyra Volunteer Fire Department offers:

• Fire station tours
• Fire safety presentations for schools and groups
• Home fire safety inspections
• Smoke detector assistance programs

Contact us to schedule a presentation or learn more about our community safety programs.