Fire Prevention and Control

Water leaks are not a common cause of fire in homes. Cooking, electrical faults, and smoking are more common causes.

The most important thing to do if a fire starts in your home is to evacuate the house immediately. Do not try to put out the fire yourself unless you are trained to do so.

To properly use a fire extinguisher, you should pull the pin, aim at the base of the fire, squeeze the handle, and sweep from side to side.

The recommended distance to keep flammable materials from heat sources is 3 feet.

Inspecting electrical cords for damage is a good practice for preventing electrical fires. Overloading electrical outlets, using extension cords for permanent wiring, and unplugging appliances when not in use are all bad practices.

Dry chemical extinguishers are the most common type of fire extinguisher used in homes because they are effective against a wide range of fires.

The recommended temperature to set your home thermostat in the winter to prevent fires is 60°F (15.5°C).

Using a fire extinguisher to put out grease fires is not a good practice. Grease fires should be extinguished by smothering them with a lid or baking soda.

The best way to dispose of ashes from a fireplace or wood stove is to put them in a metal container with a lid.

The recommended distance to keep space heaters from flammable materials is 3 feet.

Using a fire extinguisher to put out gasoline fires is not a good practice. Gasoline fires should be extinguished by smothering them with a lid or baking soda.

The recommended temperature to set your water heater thermostat to prevent scalding is 120°F (48.9°C).

Using a fire extinguisher to put out dryer fires is not a good practice. Dryer fires should be extinguished by smothering them with a lid or baking soda.

The recommended distance to keep candles from flammable materials is 1 foot.

Using a fire extinguisher to put out attic fires is not a good practice. Attic fires should be extinguished by calling the fire department.