Fire Deaths and Injuries: Prevention Tips

• Never leave food unattended on a stove.
• Keep cooking areas free of flammable objects (such as, potholders and towels).
• Avoid wearing clothes with long, loose-fitting sleeves when cooking.
• Never smoke in bed or leave burning cigarettes unattended.
• Do not empty smoldering ashes in a trash can, and keep ashtrays away from upholstered furniture and curtains.
• Never place portable space heaters near flammable materials (such as, drapery).
• Keep all matches and lighters out of reach of children. Store them up high, preferably in a locked cabinet.
• Install smoke alarms on every floor of the home, including the basement, and particularly near rooms in which people sleep.
• Use long-life smoke alarms with lithium-powered batteries and hush buttons, which allow persons to stop false alarms quickly. If long-life alarms are not available, use regular alarms, and replace the batteries annually.
• Test all smoke alarms every month to ensure they work properly.
• Devise a family fire escape plan and practice it every 6 months. In the plan, describe at least two different ways each family member can escape every room, and designate a safe place in front of the home for family members to meet after escaping a fire.
• If possible, install or retrofit fire sprinklers into home.

Sources: Adapted from recommendations of the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, the U.S. Fire Administration, the National Fire Protection Agency, and CDC.

More Injury Prevention Tips for You and Your Family

• National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) - Public Education
• U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission - Fire Safety Publications
• Protect the Ones You Love: Burns

Strategies for Fire-related Injury Prevention

• U.S. Fire Administration - Home Fire Safety
• National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) - Public Education