Fire Safety and Prevention Tips
Take a few precautions to keep your home protected and your household safer from fires.
Fire safety
![Icon Smoke Alarm](/sites/g/files/koqyhd251/files/styles/medium/public/2023-05/icon-smoke-alarm.png?h=a7e6d17b&itok=0zGU2-1Z)
Install and test smoke alarms
Install smoke detectors on every level of your home. Test each one monthly, and replace the batteries every six months.
![Icon Documents](/sites/g/files/koqyhd251/files/styles/medium/public/2023-05/icon-documents.png?h=a7e6d17b&itok=fNQOS1v8)
Protect important documents and records
Make digital copies of documents like birth certificates and passports. Physical copies can be protected in a fire-resistant box or safe.
![Icon Escape](/sites/g/files/koqyhd251/files/styles/medium/public/2023-05/icon-escape.png?h=a7e6d17b&itok=ZrAknUWD)
Prepare and practice an escape plan
Consider multiple exit options in case of an emergency, and be sure windows open easily.
![Icon Extinguisher](/sites/g/files/koqyhd251/files/styles/medium/public/2023-05/icon-extinguisher.png?h=a7e6d17b&itok=PbZ86G5R)
Keep a fire extinguisher in the kitchen
Your local fire department can provide information on proper fire extinguisher use and maintenance.
![Icon Insurance](/sites/g/files/koqyhd251/files/styles/medium/public/2023-05/icon-insurance.png?h=a7e6d17b&itok=SM15RMML)
Confirm adequate insurance coverage
Find out your property damage coverage, and create a household inventory.
![Icon Door](/sites/g/files/koqyhd251/files/styles/medium/public/2023-05/icon-door.png?h=a7e6d17b&itok=p6nA8Jls)
Close your bedroom door while sleeping
According to the UL Fire Safety Institute, a closed door can be an effective barrier against flames, smoke, and carbon monoxide. That may provide the extra minutes you need to get to safety.
Fire prevention
![Icon Kitchen Heat](/sites/g/files/koqyhd251/files/styles/medium/public/2023-05/icon-kitchen-heat.png?h=a7e6d17b&itok=76Kk015d)
Do not leave the kitchen during high-heat cooking
Frying, grilling, broiling, and other cooking at high heats should never be left unattended.
![Icon Space Heater](/sites/g/files/koqyhd251/files/styles/medium/public/2023-06/icon-space-heater.png?h=a7e6d17b&itok=3hCIlIZP)
Use space heaters only from trusted sources
Make sure your heaters have safety certifications from labs such as Underwriters Laboratories (UL).
![Icon Clean Chimneys](/sites/g/files/koqyhd251/files/styles/medium/public/2023-05/icon-clean-chimneys.png?h=a7e6d17b&itok=J-GxeQHU)
Clean chimneys and woodstoves annually
Also check all chimneys for damage or blockage every month.
![Icon Fire Tool](/sites/g/files/koqyhd251/files/styles/medium/public/2023-05/icon-fire-tool.png?h=a7e6d17b&itok=nIr7qL1M)
Teach children fire is a tool, not a toy
Educate children on fire safety from a young age, and store all lighters and matches in locked cabinets.
![Icon Cords](/sites/g/files/koqyhd251/files/styles/medium/public/2023-05/icon-cords.png?h=a7e6d17b&itok=oRkKGS-H)
Replace old or damaged appliance cords
Regularly inspect electrical cords for damage, and don’t run cords underneath furniture or rugs.
![Icon No Stove](/sites/g/files/koqyhd251/files/styles/medium/public/2023-05/icon-no-stove.png?h=a7e6d17b&itok=6DgeFgVL)
Never use a stove or oven to heat your home
Cooking appliances that aren’t designed to provide external heat should not be used that way. Also, do not use portable generators indoors.