Fire Safety Tips: Keep Your Home and Family Safe From Fires

Fire Safety Tips

There are many naturally occurring fire-related hazards, such as after a tornado or thunderstorm, and many non-natural occurring, like electrical and grease fires. These fire safety tips are going to specifically deal with naturally occurring hazards. Lightning during thunderstorms can electrocute people and animals and cause a variety of fire hazards. Human errors when dealing with power outages can also increase the potential of a fire. For example, we should always use flashlights instead of candles for emergency lighting.

Install Smoke Alarms

To keep your home and family safe from the threat of a fire, a smoke alarm is a simple, inexpensive preventative measure. You should install smoke alarms on every level of your home, especially inside and outside bedrooms. Many states require smoke alarms in each bedroom as well so check your local laws and regulations to make sure your home is compliant. Check to see if the smoke alarms are dependent on your home's electrical system. If so, they should be equipped with a back-up battery. Test every smoke alarm in your home monthly, and replace the batteries with new ones at least once a year.

Additional Fire Safety Tips

Here are more basic tips to keep your family and home safe around potential fire hazards.
  • Keep combustible liquids away from heat sources
  • Turn off the power if your home is flooded or has water damage
  • Any wires on the ground may be electrically charged, so keep a safe distance
  • Leave the house immediately if you think there is a gas leak
  • Only use a gas-powered generator outside
  • Do not use the kitchen stove/oven to heat your home
  • Never refill a space heater while it is on or still hot
  • Hire a certified professional to check electrical and gas systems
  • Be aware of firework safety on holidays

Disaster Preparedness Plan

Visit our Disaster Preparedness Plan page to learn more about Hurricane Safety, Thunderstorm Safety, Tornado Safety and developing an Emergency Evacuation Plan. Also consider preparing a 72-hour kit as one more layer of safety for you and your family.