- Prevention and safety information to help Americans stay safe from fire.
- Fire prevention resources for America’s career and volunteer Fire Service.
- Coloring pages, puzzles and games that teach kids how to stay safe from fire.
After a Storm
Media stories can save lives! A news story about a residential fire provides a valuable opportunity to give your community a safety message during a teachable moment. Drop in these prevention tips and facts, and you just might save a life.
All U.S. homes should have working smoke alarms.
Fires can be prevented. A few easy steps can save your life!
- Keep battery-powered lanterns or flashlights to use instead of candles if the power goes out. If you must use candles, keep them out of reach of children and away from anything that could burn.
- When using a generator, use the right size and type of power cords. Always run a generator outdoors, never in enclosed areas like basements or garages.
- Never connect a generator to your home's electrical circuits without automatic-interrupt devices.
- Leave at least 3 feet between portable space heaters, fireplaces, or wood stoves and anything that can burn. (Heating Tips)
- Turn off space heaters when you go to sleep.
- Never use the stove or oven to heat your home.
- Never thaw frozen pipes with a blow torch or other open flame.
- If your home is damaged by a storm, smell and listen for gas leaks. If you think there's a leak, turn off the main gas valve, open windows, and get everyone outside quickly.
- If you suspect a gas leak, do not smoke or strike a match.
- Call the power company to report downed power lines.
- If there is a fire hydrant near your home, keep it free from snow and debris.
After a Storm - Fire Facts
- Portable heaters are the leading cause of death in home heating fires.
- Candles cause more than 13,000 home fires each year.
- Downed power lines are a fire hazard, as well as being an electrocution hazard.
- Appliances that have been exposed to water can short and start a fire.