Fire Safety
According to Ready.gov, each year more than 2,500 people die and 12,600 are injured in home fires in the United States, with direct property loss due to home fires estimated at $7.3 billion annually. Home fires can be prevented!
To learn more about preparing for a home fire and how to keep your family safe, visit www.ready.gov/home-fires.
Before a Fire Occurs
- Plan and practice an escape plan.
- Install smoke alarms and change their batteries regularly.
- Evaluate your home and make sure escape routes, including doors and windows, are accessible and easily unlocked in an emergency.
During a Fire
- Crawl low under any smoke to your exit - heavy smoke and poisonous gases collect first along the ceiling.
- Before opening a door, feel the doorknob and door. If either is hot, leave the door closed and use your second way out.
- If you can’t get to someone needing assistance, leave the home and call 9-1-1 or the fire department. Tell the emergency operator where the person is located.
After a Fire
- Contact your local disaster relief service, such as The Red Cross, if you need temporary housing, food and medicines.
- If you are insured, contact your insurance company for detailed instructions on protecting the property, conducting inventory and contacting fire damage restoration companies. If you are not insured, try contacting private organizations for aid and assistance.
- Check with the fire department to make sure your residence is safe to enter. Be watchful of any structural damage caused by the fire.
To learn more about preparing for a home fire and how to keep your family safe, visit www.ready.gov/home-fires.