Rules for Fire Safety

Follow a few rules to help your family be prepared in case a fire occurs. Here are some home fire safety tips from the American Red Cross.

Be Prepared!

Smoke Alarms Save Lives

• Install a smoke alarm outside every sleeping area, on every level of your home, and right outside the kitchen.
• Test the batteries and dust/vacuum your smoke alarms every month.
• Replace batteries once a year.
• Smoke alarms become less sensitive over time. Replace them every 10 years.

Plan and Practice Your Escape Route

• Determine at least two ways to escape from every room in your home.
• Consider escape ladders for sleeping areas on the second or third floors.
• Select a meeting spot outside your home where everyone should meet after escaping.
• Practice your escape plan at least twice a year.

If a Fire Occurs

• Get out fast! If you see smoke or fire in your first escape route, use your second way out.
• If you must exit through smoke, crawl low and go to your exit quickly.
• If your escape route takes you through a closed door, test it with the back of your hand. If it’s warm, choose the second route.
• If smoke, heat, or flames block your exit routes, stay in the room with the door closed. Signal for help using a bright-colored cloth at the window. If there’s a phone in the room, call to tell the fire department where you are.
• Once you’re out, stay out.
• Call 911 or your local emergency number from a neighbor’s home after you’re out safely.

Most injuries and deaths from fire occur in home fires—and most of these fires could have been prevented. Act now to make your home and family safe from fire.

Resources:

• "The American Red Cross Masters of Disaster"
  This is an excellent, free online fire safety resource for parents and teachers. Activities for K–2 can easily be adapted for pre-K.
• "U.S. Fire Administration for Kids"
  This government site answers fire prevention and safety questions for families. Online games are not meant for preschoolers, but the site is colorful and has good information.
• "Sparky"
  This site from the National Fire Prevention Association has great pictures of fire trucks for children to see and learn about, as well as other fire prevention and safety tips and tools.