Protect your home and family with these essential fire safety guidelines. Prevention and preparedness save lives.
October 4 – October 10, 2026
"Smoke Alarms: A Sound You Can Trust"
Follow these proven fire safety practices to keep your home and family safe from fire hazards.
Install smoke alarms on every level of your home, inside bedrooms and outside sleeping areas. Test monthly and replace batteries yearly.
Never leave cooking unattended. Keep flammable items away from the stove and keep a fire extinguisher in the kitchen.
Develop and practice a fire escape plan with your family. Identify two ways out of every room and designate a meeting spot outside.
Keep space heaters 3 feet from anything flammable. Never leave heaters unattended and turn them off when sleeping or leaving the room.
Never leave candles unattended. Keep them away from curtains, bedding, and pets. Use sturdy candle holders on stable surfaces.
Don't overload outlets or power strips. Replace damaged cords immediately and have a qualified electrician inspect older wiring.
Stay calm and follow these steps to protect yourself and your family during a fire emergency.
Shout "FIRE!" to warn everyone in the building. Activate the fire alarm if available.
Leave immediately using your escape plan. Close doors behind you to slow the spread of fire.
Smoke rises, so stay low to the ground. Feel doors before opening and use an alternate route if a door is hot.
Once outside, call 911 from a safe location. Give your address and any details about the fire.
Don't run or panic. Running makes flames grow larger and spread faster.
Drop to the ground immediately. Cover your face with your hands to protect your airways.
Roll back and forth until the flames are extinguished. Use a blanket or coat to smother the fire if available.
Remember: Stop, Drop, and Roll
Working smoke alarms cut the risk of dying in a home fire in half. Regular maintenance ensures your alarms will work when you need them most.
Press the test button to ensure the alarm sounds
Change batteries when you change your clocks (spring forward/fall back)
Replace the entire unit after 10 years of service
Vacuum dust from vents monthly to prevent false alarms
Home fire deaths occur in properties without working smoke alarms
Of home fire deaths happen between 11 PM and 7 AM when people are sleeping
Average time a house fire takes to become life-threatening
Should have a smoke alarm installed for maximum protection
Take action now to make your home safer. Test your smoke alarms, create an escape plan, and share these tips with your loved ones.
