According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), in the year 2016 there were approximately 352,000 house fires in the U.S. In just two minutes a fire can become life-threatening to you and your family, and in just five minutes your home can be engulfed in flames. Protect your family and your home by being ready for a potential fire in your home, and knowing what to do during and after.
Be Ready for a Fire
Install smoke alarms on every level of your home, inside bedrooms and outside sleeping areas.
Test smoke alarms once a month and replace batteries once a year.
Make sure all family members know what smoke alarms sound like.
Make sure all family members know two ways to escape from the home. Practice these escape routes twice a year.
Place collapsible ladders in rooms on the second and third floors.
Have a family meeting spot outside of your home.
Make sure every family member knows how to call 9-1-1, especially children.
Teach family members to STOP, DROP and ROLL if clothes catch on fire.
Keep digital copies of valuable documents and records.
What to do During a Fire
Crawl low under smoke to get to your exit.
Before opening a door, feel the door and doorknob. If they are hot, leave the door closed and escape via your second route.
If you open a door, open it slowly. Close it quickly if heavy smoke or fire is present.
If you can’t get to someone who needs help elsewhere in the home, leave the home and call 9-1-1.
Do not go back inside for pets. Tell firefighters right away where your pet is located within the home.
If you can’t get out, close the door and cover cracks around the door and vents with clothing, blankets, towels or tape to keep smoke out. Call 9-1-1 and signal for help at the window with a flashlight.
STOP, DROP and ROLL if clothes catch on fire.
If this isn’t possible, smother the flames with a blanket or towel.
After a Fire Strikes
Contact your local disaster relief service, such as the Red Cross, if you need shelter, food and medicine.
Contact your insurance company.
Contact fire damage restoration companies.
Check with the fire department to see if your home is safe to enter. Be careful of any structural damage.
Conduct inventory of damaged property and items. Keep any damaged goods until inventory is complete.
Do not attempt to reconnect any utilities yourself.
Save receipts for any money spent related to fire loss. These may be needed later by the insurance company and to verify losses claimed on income tax.