Information on House Fires

Planning

• Install smoke alarms in your home. They should be near bedrooms, high up on the wall, about 4 to 12 inches from the ceiling. Test and clean the alarms once a month, and keep fresh batteries in them. Talk about escape routes with your family in case of a fire. Make sure no windows are painted or nailed shut, and go over how to crawl on the floor while escaping as well as the "stop, drop and roll" method.

Prevention

• Keep storage areas clear and clean. Never use flammable chemicals indoors, and never smoke near those liquids. Insulate your chimney, and cut down branches around the chimney. Keep space heaters away from the wall, fabric and other items that can catch on fire. Don't smoke in bed or when you're tired. Wet cigarettes before you throw them out. Have an electrician verify that all your wiring is safe and working. Don't run wiring under rugs or over nails, and don't put too many electrical plugs on one outlet. Purchase surge protectors.

In a Fire

• During a fire, crawl on the ground with a moist towel or piece of clothing over your and your children's faces. Touch any door you approach on the knob to see if it's hot. If it is, find another exit. If you live in an apartment complex, find the nearest fire exit or fire escape. Never take the elevator during an emergency. Don't stop to gather personal belongings or pets or call 911 during an escape. Once you're outside, don't return to a burning building. Stop, drop and roll if any of your clothing catches on fire. Do not run.

After a Fire

• Once you're out of a burning house, if you or someone else has burns, call 911, and cool and cover your burns to prevent further injury. Call your landlord if you rent your home. Don't re-enter a building if you smell smoke, and don't attempt to open a fire safe until at least several hours afterward, because it holds intense heat and the contents can catch on fire when you open the door.