Fire Preparedness
Safety
- Be sure that your address number is clearly visible to responding fire/rescue workers.
- Have working smoke alarms installed in all sleeping areas and hallways leading to sleeping areas and on every floor of your home.
- Keep blankets, curtains, clothing and other combustibles away from portable heaters, wall heaters and stoves.
- Never smoke in bed. Keep lighters and matches away from children.
- Do not overload electrical outlets. Avoid running electrical cords under carpets, doors and furniture. Only use electrical appliances and cords in good condition.
- Use flammable liquids in well ventilated areas.
- Check chimneys and flue pipes for cracks and proper security. Do not allow combustibles to come in contact with flues.
- Keep your fireplace chimney clean. Always keep fireplace doors or screens closed to prevent sparks from igniting nearby combustibles.
- Keep all L.P. gas and oil tanks, valves, piping and appliances in good condition. Have these systems checked by a qualified technician each year.
- Practice good housekeeping. Avoid accumulating large amounts of combustibles in attics, garages or other rooms.
- Store gasoline and other flammable liquids in safety cans. Use flammable liquids only in well-ventilated spaces. Recycle used oil and filters.
Prevention
Take a few minutes to walk through your home and use the following checklist to make sure your home is fire-safe!
- Alternative Heaters.
- Use heaters only in well-ventilated rooms.
- Place heaters where they will not be knocked over easily.
- Do not use heaters to dry clothing or other items.
- Keep heaters at a safe distance from curtains, furniture, and all combustibles.
- Kerosene Heaters
- Kerosene Heaters are illegal to use in a residence.
- Fill only with K-1 Kerosene, and never use gasoline or camp stove fuel.
- Refuel kerosene heaters outdoors and when they’re cool.
- Wood Stoves and Fireplaces
- Only use seasoned wood, and never use green wood, artificial logs or trash.
- Always use a protective screen.
- Clean interiors, hearths and chimneys yearly.
- Safe Cooking Practices
- Don’t leave food unattended on the stove.
- Keep dangling clothing away from burners.
- Keep appliances clean and free of grease and crumbs.
- Keep curtains and other combustibles away from the stove.
- Make sure the stove is off and small appliances are unplugged before going to bed.
- Smoke Detectors
- Place smoke detectors in every bedroom and hallways outside bedrooms.
- Test the batteries monthly.
- Change batteries when you change your clocks at Daylight Savings Time.
- Place smoke detectors at least 4 to 6 inches away from walls and corners.
- Keep away from Bathrooms and Kitchens to prevent False Alarms
- Electrical Wiring
- Replace wiring if it’s frayed or cracked.
- Do not place wiring under rugs, over nails or in high traffic areas.
- Avoid overloading outlets and make sure they stay cool to the touch.
- Keep covers over electric plates and avoid exposed wiring.
- Electric Space Heaters
- Plug heaters directly into the wall socket, and not into extension cords.
- Unplug heaters when they’re not being used.
- Smoking Habits
- Never smoke in bed.
- Keep ashtrays away from upholstered furniture and curtains.
- Always attend burning cigarettes.
- Children and Fire Safety
- Keep lighters and matches away from children.
- Teach children how to call for emergency assistance (911).
- Use safety plugs in electrical outlets.
- Home Fire Escape Plan
- Have an escape plan and make sure all family members know it.
- Practice the plan every six months.
- Keep emergency numbers, a whistle and a flashlight near the telephone.
- Identify an outside meeting place and never return into a burning building.
- Know how to call for emergency assistance (911).
- Fire Safety Technology
- Keep a fire extinguisher handy, especially in the kitchen.
- Consider installing residential fire sprinklers.
Wildfires
Check out Cal-Fire for more on Wildfire Preparedness.