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Home fires
Spotlight Box

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A special message on home fire prevention from Sara Evans

PRESS RELEASES

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RED CROSS Stresses Family Preparedness

NEWS STORIES

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Fire Starts at Home. Safety Should Too

FACT SHEETS

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FIRE SAFETY Fact Sheet [PDF]

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ESCAPE Planning [PDF]

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THANKSGIVING Fire Safety [PDF]

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HOLIDAY Fire Safety [PDF]

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HOME HEATING Fires [PDF]

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COOKING Fires [PDF]

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CHILDREN and Fires [PDF]

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SMOKE ALARMS [PDF]

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CANDLE Safety [PDF]

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CO Poisoning [PDF]

FAQS [PDF]

Fire

Versión en Español

Make Your Home "Fire Safe"

  • Smoke alarms save lives. Install a smoke alarm outside each sleeping area and on each additional level of your home.
  • If people sleep with doors closed, install smoke alarms inside sleeping areas, too.
  • Use the test button to check each smoke alarm once a month. When necessary, replace batteries immediately. Replace all batteries once a year.
  • Vacuum away cobwebs and dust from your smoke alarms monthly.
  • Smoke alarms become less sensitive over time. Replace your smoke alarms every ten years.
  • Consider having one or more working fire extinguishers in your home. Get training from the fire department in how to use them.
  • Consider installing an automatic fire sprinkler system in your home.

Plan Your Escape Routes

  • Determine at least two ways to escape from every room of your home.
  • Consider escape ladders for sleeping areas on the second or third floor. Learn how to use them and store them near the window.
  • Select a location outside your home where everyone would meet after escaping.
  • Practice your escape plan at least twice a year.

Escape Safely

  • Once you are out, stay out! Call the fire department from a neighbor's home.
  • If you see smoke or fire in your first escape route, use your second way out. If you must exit through smoke, crawl low under the smoke to your exit.
  • If you are escaping through a closed door, feel the door before opening it. If it is warm, use your second way out.
  • 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 is a telephone in the room, call the fire department and tell them where you are.

Contact your Local Red Cross Chapter for more information on home fire prevention and safety.

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