The best way to stop a fire is to learn how to prevent it. Everyone should develop a fire safety plan in their home or workplace: Designate a safe meeting spot outside your home; ensure everyone in the household knows the escape routes; teach your children how to call 911 and have them memorize your address; and learn more about creating a fire escape plan.
Smoke detectors should be installed in every bedroom, outside each sleeping area, and on every level of the home – including the basement. They should be tested regularly and replaced every 10 years. And install a carbon monoxide detector near each sleeping area.
Heater safety in your home: As the weather gets colder, heating equipment is one of the leading causes of home fires. Keep space heaters at least 3 feet from anything that can burn. Plug heaters directly into the wall, not into extension cords. Have your furnace, chimney, and vents inspected before the winter season.
Cooking fires are the leading cause of home fires and fire injuries. Stay in the kitchen when you are cooking. If you leave the kitchen for even a short period of time, turn off the stove. Keep children away from cooking areas by enforcing a “kid-free zone” of 3 feet around the stove. Barbecue grills should be at least 10 feet away from siding and deck railings, and out from under eaves and overhanging branches.