Most fire deaths and injuries occur in the home. Is your home fire safe?
Those most likely to die in home fires are children under five years old and adults over 65. The United States and Canada have the highest fire death rates of any industrialized countries.
Why? Our buildings are built to high standards and our fire departments are among the best in the world. The problem is people and their lack of awareness about the the importance of making fire safety a part of their everyday lives.
Is Your Family Fire Safe?
Nearly all home fires are preventable. Each of us can share the responsibility of keeping fires from starting. The Pueblo West Metropolitan Fire Department encourages everyone to review the Fire Safety Checklist to see how safe their home is. Each item you are not able to check-off is an opportunity for you take the steps necessary to keep your home fire safe.
Fire Safety Checklist
Baseboard and portable heaters are away from anything that can burn; furniture, curtains, papers, clothing, etc.
The fireplace is equipped with a sturdy metal screen. The chimney is checked before each heating season and repairs are made as necessary.
Extension cords and multi-plug adapters are used as little as possible. Extension cords are not tacked to walls, under rugs or through doorways.
Cooking food is never left unattended while on the stove or in the oven. If you have to leave the kitchen for a short time while cooking, set a timer or take something with you to remind you that the stove or oven is on.
The stove and oven are kept clean of grease and spilt food. In the event of a fire, you know that the best response is to put a lid over the flames.
Matches, lighters and other smoking materials are kept out of the reach of children, preferably in a locked cabinet.
Always place candles in non-tip candleholders before you light them. Keep them out of the reach of children. Extinguish candles before you leave a room or go to bed, as unattended candles start many fires each year.
No smoking in bed is a rule in your home. Drowsy or medicated people may forget lit materials and start a fire.
Be sure Smoke alarms are installed on a ceiling or high on a wall outside of the bedroom(s) on each level of your home.
Once a year you install new batteries in your smoke alarms and you test them once each month.
Be sure your family knows what to do if there is a fire. Prepare an Escape Plan and have a Home Fire Drill so your family can practice their escape.
Discussing how to respond to an emergency can help reduce fear. It is critical that everyone recognizes the sound of the smoke alarms and knows two safe ways out of each room. When the smoke alarm sounds, every second counts.
