Here are some proven ways to protect your family from fire:
• Install smoke detectors
A working smoke detector doubles your chance of surviving a fire. Install a smoke detector on each floor of your home, including the basement. The most important location is outside the sleeping areas. Test your detectors monthly, and replace the batteries once a year.
• Don’t block exits out of your home
Security bars can trap you in your own home if you need to escape from a fire. If security bars are necessary, make sure that they are the kind that can be opened from the inside in case of emergency.
• Plan your escape
No plan is perfect until it is practiced and unforeseen problems are solved. Practicing your plan may be the best few minutes you’ll ever spend if you ever have a fire.
• Watch the children
Never leave your children alone, not even for a few minutes. That’s how much time it takes for a fire to spread out of control. Children may die because they often panic, forget, hide, or do not know how to respond during a fire.
• Store matches and lighters thoughtfully
Keep matches and lighters up high, out of the reach of small children. Teach your children to tell an adult if they find matches or lighters. They should never pick them up.
• Be careful while cooking
Click here for additional information on avoiding fires in the kitchen.
• Use alternative heating units carefully
Click here for tips on avoiding fires when using kerosene and electric heaters.
• Eliminate and fix electrical problems
Don’t overload sockets or extension cords. Watch for signs of trouble, like outlets that don’t work, flickering lights, frayed electrical cords, outlets or switches that feel hot. Breakers or fuses that trip often are another sign that wiring needs to be checked.
For more information about fire safety, contact the Community Relations Division at 313.596.2959.
FIRE PUBLICATIONS
The Detroit Fire Department has several brochures on various topics. For more information, click on one of the links below:
Operation Fire Safe (Information on preventing fires, arson and services/programs provided by the Fire Department)
After the Fire (Information on what to do after a fire has occurred)
