Fire prevention tips for national fire prevention month

In observance of National Fire Prevention Month, it’s a good time to review your fire safety habits at home and in your neighborhood. Fires can be devastating, but many are preventable with simple precautions and smart everyday choices.

Consider these tips to reduce the risk of fires and keep your household, family and community safe.

Test your smoke alarms

Smoke alarms are among the simplest and most important tools for protecting your home, loudly alerting you to potential danger at any time of day or night. Test them monthly, follow the manufacturer’s instructions for replacement and change batteries as needed.

Heat your home safely

Depending on how you heat your home, there may be different hazards to watch for. Never leave fireplaces unattended when in use, and have them inspected and maintained as recommended by a trained professional. If you use portable heaters, keep them at least three feet away from curtains, bedding, furniture and other flammable materials.

Prevent electrical fires

Frayed cords, damaged outlets and overloaded appliances can pose a danger when they overheat or spark. Particularly if you live in an older home or have outdated appliances, watch for warning signs such as tripped circuit breakers, malfunctioning devices or a burning smell. If you’re concerned, have your system inspected by a qualified electrician.

Store flammable items carefully

Keeping matches and lighters out of children’s reach is a smart first step for household fire safety. Also follow safe storage practices for lighter fluid, propane, aerosol cans and other household products that could ignite when exposed to heat or a stray spark.

Practice safe cooking and grilling habits

From sparks flying off the grill to hot oil forgotten in a frying pan, cooking is the leading cause of household fires. Stay attentive in the kitchen, never leave cooking food unattended and avoid placing combustible materials, such as paper plates or fabric towels, too close to a stove or grill. Keep appliances clean and well-maintained.

Plan your escape route

Fires can spread quickly, so everyone in your household should know the plan — and backup plan — for safely exiting different areas of the house during an emergency. Decide on a specific meeting place outside and practice fire drills together so everyone knows what to do.

Observe local fire safety rules

Where you live determines what kinds of fire risks affect your community, so stay informed about local regulations. Areas prone to drought or wildfire may have restrictions on outdoor burning, and local fire prevention ordinances may outline specific requirements for smoke alarms in your home.

Fire prevention starts with everyday habits. Taking a few minutes to check smoke alarms, address potential hazards and review your escape plan can make a difference. Use National Fire Prevention Month as a reminder to get everyone in your household involved in keeping your home safe throughout the year.