What Can Cause Fires in the Home?

The home, whether it's a house, mobile home, condominium or apartment can be a potentially dangerous structure if its occupants are not aware of fire hazards and how to prevent them.

Smoke Detectors

A smoke alarm is a battery operated or electrically connected device that senses the presence of visible or invisible particles produced by combustion and that is designed to sound an alarm within the room or suite within which it is located. A working smoke alarm can provide an early warning that can make the difference between life and death. According to studies published by the National Fire Protection Association, having a smoke alarm cuts your risk of dying in a fire by nearly half. However, a smoke alarm should be part of an overall home fire safety strategy that also includes preventing fires by adopting fire safe behavior, and developing and practicing a home fire escape plan.

Carbon Monoxide

Carbon monoxide (CO) is an invisible, odorless, colorless gas created when fossil fuels (such as gasoline, wood, coal, propane, oil and methane) burn incompletely. In the home, heating and cooking equipment are possible sources of carbon monoxide. Vehicles running in an attached garage could also produce dangerous levels of carbon monoxide.

Types Of Fires

Cooking Fires

Cooking fires are a major cause of home fires.  They are usually caused by cooking oil overheating (without someone to watch it), grease that has accumulated on the stove or range hood, and dish towels or pot holders left to close to burners. 

Furniture Fires

Fires in couches, chairs and bedding are usually caused by someone carelessly dropping cigarettes or matches between the cushions.

Heating Fires

Fires that occur in furnaces, heaters and fireplaces are usually a result of poor maintenance or faulty equipment.

Trash Fires

Fires can easily start where trash is allowed to collect

Safety Tips

When preparing food, don't leave the cooking area unattended

If a pan catches on fire, do not carry it ... leave it on the stove, turn off the heat, cover the pan with a lid or use baking soda to extinguish the fire

Provide a safe place for dishtowels and pot holders away from the heat of the stove.

Don't wear loose clothing while cooking and never reach across a burner.

Keep ashtrays in a safe place, not on the arms of sofas and chairs where they can be easily knocked off.

Never move furniture too close to a heater

Hot water heater closets should never be used as a storage area

Fireplaces should always have a protective screen to prevent sparks from flying onto carpet or furniture

Never burn newspapers or trash in the fireplace

If you save newspapers, be sure they are bundled tightly and stacked neatly, away from any heat source

Trash should be kept in a trashcan or plastic trash bag, away from any heat source

If you smell smoke, get on your hands and knees and crawl to the door. It's easier to breathe on the floor because your under the smoke. NEVER open a door if it feels warm. There could be fire on the other side. Open a window if you can and yell for help.

Never try to hide from a fire, especially under the bed or in a closet.

Get out of the house fast, don't stop for toys or pets, the firefighters will try to save them!

If your clothes catch fire, don't run. 1.) Stop, 2.) Drop to the floor, 3.) Roll untill the flames go out.

When out of the house, stay at the family meeting place until you meet all of your family, unless it is dangerous or a firefighter ask's you to move.

Once you meet with your family be sure to call the Fire Department or call 911. Tell the operator your name, address, and where the fire is. Don't hang up untill the operator tells you to!

Firefighters use special equipment and wear special gear to protect them from smoke and fire. Never run away or hide from a firefighter. Their gear makes them look scary, but don't be afraid. They are there to help you.