Safety Tips
Fire can affect many aspects of our lives, from our pets, to our celebrations, and even our cultural and religious practices. Explore below for tips and information on keeping all of these things fire safe.
Tips for Keeping Fire Safe
Hurricanes
Hurricane Information (PDF)
The intensity of hurricanes that will hit land is measured in terms of categories that relate wind speeds and potential damage. Even less intense storms can cause damage in areas that have not prepared in advance.
Floods
Flood Information (PDF)
Floods can happen everywhere, making them one of the country’s most common natural disasters. Flooding poses a greater threat in low-lying areas, near water, downstream from dams. Even the smallest streams, creek beds or drains can overflow and create flooding. During periods of heavy rain or extended periods of steady rains, be aware of the possibility of a flood. Flash floods develop quickly—anywhere from a few minutes to a few hours. Listen to local weather reports for flooding information.
Pet Fire Safety
Pet Fire Safety Tips (PDF)
Pets give us comfort, friendship, and unconditional love. Our connection to them can be among the strongest relationships in our lives. But pets can cause fires. We need to be careful with pets in the home.
Chicken Coops
Backyard Chicken Coop Safety (PDF)
Raising chickens as a hobby is popular. Hobby farmers enjoy raising hens as pets or livestock. Protect people, property, and your flock from the tragedy of fire.
Hoarding and Fire
Hoarding and Fire: Reducing the Risk (PDF)
Do you have a person in your life who may be a hoarder? Hoarding is a condition where a person has persistent difficulty discarding personal possessions. The large amount of possessions fill the home and prevent the normal use of the space. Living space becomes cluttered. It may be unusable. Hoarding brings distress and emotional health concerns.
Security Bars
Security Bar Safety (PDF)
People are afraid of crime near their homes. To feel safe, many people install security bars on their doors and windows. Some security bars, also called burglar bars, can trap you in a fire. They can also keep firefighters from getting in to rescue you.
Scald Prevention
Scald Prevention Safety Tips (PDF)
A scald injury can happen at any age. Children, older adults and people with disabilities are especially at risk. Hot liquids from bath water, hot coffee and even microwaved soup can cause devastating injuries. Scald burns are the second leading cause of all burn injuries.
Fire Safety At Your Home Away From Home
Vacation Rental Safety Tips (PDF)
Peer-to-peer hospitality services, such as Airbnb, Vacation Rentals by Owner and other types of vacation rentals are not regulated in the same way as hotels. Requirements vary widely across jurisdictions. Act as your own safety advocate and know before you go. Be sure the following safety measures are addressed.
Hotels & Motels
Hotels & Motel Safety (PDF)
Vacations and business travel make hotels and motels our home away from home. It is just as important to be prepared and know what you would do in a hotel/motel emergency as it is in your own home.
Candles
Candle Safety Tips (PDF)
Candles may be pretty to look at but they are a cause of home fires — and home fire deaths. Remember, a candle is an open flame, which means that it can easily ignite anything that can burn.
Religious Candles
Religious Candles (PDF)
Lit candles are used in religious services, in places of worship, and in the home. Whether you are using one candle or more, make sure you take a few moments to learn about using candles safely.
Kids & Fire Safety
Children and Fire Safety Tips (PDF)
Children “playing” with or starting fires is dangerous and costly. Each year these fires cause hundreds of injuries, millions of dollars in damage, and are most likely to kill young children under the age of 5.
Babysitting
Babysitting Safety (PDF)
Having a babysitter can give you peace of mind. It allows you to leave your child with someone you trust. Be sure your babysitter knows about fire safety. Be sure your babysitter knows what to do if there is a fire.
Car Fires
Car Fire Safety (PDF)
Cars can catch fire for many reasons. Mechanical or electrical issues are the most common cause. A car can also catch fire as the result of a bad crash. If you see smoke or flames or smell burning rubber or plastic, respond immediately.
Safety With Oily Rags Wet With Flammable or Combustible Liquid
Safety With Oily Rags (PDF)
Oil-based paints, stains, and varnishes are often used for home improvement projects. It is common to use rags to wipe up spills or clean brushes. But wet rags can ignite on their own. They can start a fire if not handled carefully. The same is true of the liquids themselves.
People With Disabilities
Home Safety for People With Disabilities (PDF)
There’s no place like home. It is a place to relax, share laughs with family, and enjoy home cooked meals. But did you know that the majority of fire deaths occur in the home? Help everyone in the home stay safe from fire.
Public Assembly
Safety in Places of Public Assembly Tips (PDF)
Every day, millions of people wake up, go to work or school, and take part in social events. But every so often the unexpected happens: an earthquake, a fire, a chemical spill, an act of terrorism or some other disaster. Routines change drastically, and people are suddenly aware of how fragile their lives and routines can be. Each disaster can have lasting effects — people may be seriously injured or killed, and devastating and costly property damage can occur. People entering any public assembly building need to be prepared in case of an emergency.
Campus Fire Safety
College Campus Fire Safety Tips (PDF)
College students living away from home should take a few minutes to make sure they are living in a fire-safe environment. Educating students on what they can do to stay safe during the school year is important and often overlooked.
Scald Prevention
Scald Prevention Safety Tips (PDF)
A scald injury can happen at any age. Children, older adults and people with disabilities are especially at risk. Hot liquids from bath water, hot coffee and even microwaved soup can cause devastating injuries. Scald burns are the second leading cause of all burn injuries.
Winter Holidays
Winter Holiday Safety (PDF)
Winter holidays are a time for families and friends to get together. But that also means a greater risk for fire. Following a few simple tips will ensure a happy and fire-safe holiday season.
Christmas Trees
Christmas Tree Safety Tips (PDF)
As you deck the halls this holiday season, be fire smart. A small fire that spreads to a Christmas tree can grow large very quickly.
Halloween
Halloween Safety Tips (PDF)
Halloween is a fun, and spooky, time of year for kids. Make trick-or-treating safe for your little monsters with a few easy safety tips.
Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving Safety (PDF)
The kitchen is the heart of the home, especially at Thanksgiving. Safety in the kitchen is important, especially when there is a lot of activity and people at home.
Shabbat
Shabbat Fire Safety Tips (PDF)
Shabbat, a centerpiece of Jewish life, is observed every week by families throughout the world. The day of rest and celebration requires pre-planning including fire safety preparation.
