Fire Safety Education: What You Need to Know

August 1, 2024

Fire safety is crucial for protecting your home and loved ones from the unexpected dangers of a fire. We’ve compiled essential fire safety tips to help you prevent fires and respond effectively if they occur.

By following these guidelines, you can significantly reduce the risk of fire and ensure a safer environment for everyone.

Install and Test Your Smoke Alarms

38% of fire deaths result from fires in which there are no smoke alarms present. When homes have a functioning smoke alarm, the risk of death is reduced by half.

Make sure that smoke alarms are installed on every floor of your home, including the basement, as well as inside and outside of all bedrooms. Test alarms monthly by simply pressing the “test” button. Replace smoke alarm sensors once every 10 years, or more often if needed.

When your smoke alarm sounds, don’t ignore it. Evacuate your home immediately and call 911 once you are safely outside.

Learn How to Use A Fire Extinguisher

Fire extinguishers can effectively put out 80% of all fires. By knowing how to use a fire extinguisher, you can quickly and effectively respond to small fires, helping to prevent them from escalating.

Memorize the “PASS” method so you know how to use yours in case of an emergency:

Pull the pin.
Aim the nozzle at the base of the fire.
Squeeze the handle.
Sweep the nozzle from side to side.

Place portable fire extinguishers no more than 50 feet apart throughout your home, and replace them every 10-12 years. Regularly check the pressure gauge and expiration date to ensure your extinguisher is in good working condition. Only use a fire extinguisher if the fire is small and contained, and you have a clear escape route.

Learn more about fire extinguishers

Create and Practice a Fire Escape Plan

If the worst-case scenario does happen, make sure you have an evacuation plan in place. Develop a fire escape plan that includes two ways out of every room, if possible, and practice it at least 2-3 times a year with the entire family. In most cases, you have less than 3 minutes to get out of your home once a fire starts, so do what you can to maximize efficiency.

Fires are scary. Having a well-rehearsed fire escape plan can provide peace of mind and life-saving muscle memory in an emergency.

Practice Fire-Safe Behaviors

There are several ways you can help prevent fires from starting in the first place. By practicing and teaching your kids these behaviors, you can reduce the likelihood of a fire happening in your home.

Keep a Watch on Flames: Never leave candles, fireplaces or any open flames unattended. Keep them away from flammable materials and always extinguish them before leaving the room or going to bed.
Keep Flammable Items Away From Heat Sources: Maintain a safe distance between items like curtains, bedding and furniture and heat sources such as stoves, heaters and fireplaces. Never leave cooking or heating equipment unattended.
Use Electrical Equipment Safely: Avoid overloading electrical outlets and use power strips with built-in circuit breakers. Regularly check cords for damage and replace any frayed or damaged cords immediately. Unplug appliances when not in use.

Stay Safe, Maple Plain!

All of us at the Maple Plain Fire Department are committed to keeping our community safe from fire. By following these tips, you can significantly reduce the risk of fire and ensure the safety of yourself and your loved ones.

If you need help to improve your home’s fire safety, give us a call at (763) 479-0520 and we’ll help you out. If you are experiencing an emergency, dial 911 right away.