Fire is Fast
It takes less than 30 seconds for a small flame to turn into a major fire.
It takes two minutes for a fire to become life-threatening to you and your family.
It takes five minutes for your home to become engulfed in flames.
Fire is Hot
Room temperatures in a fire can be 100 degrees at floor level and 600 degrees at eye level.
Inhaling this hot air can scorch your lungs and melt clothes to your skin.
This heat is more life-threatening than actual flames.
Fire is Dark
Fire quickly produces black smoke, leading to complete darkness and difficulty seeing.
Fire is Deadly
Fire produces poisonous gases that can make you drowsy and disoriented.
Smoke and toxic gases kill more people than actual flames, do exceeding burns by a three-to-one ratio.
Fire Hazards in the Home
Is a fire just waiting to happen in your home? Inspect your home and see if any of the following hazards are present. If so, fix them immediately to avoid a fire from starting.
In the Kitchen
- Curtains, towels and paper towels too close to burners
- Blocked microwave vents
- Throwing water on a grease fire – Instead, put a lid on it to suffocate the flames
Heating Equipment
- Portable heaters too close to flammable materials
- Dirty or blocked chimneys
- Unattended fireplaces or candles
Electrical & Appliances
- Old appliances
- A full lint screen in your dryer
- Extension cords under rugs and furniture
- Multiple appliances plugged into one outlet
- Using bulbs over the recommended wattage
- Frayed and damaged cords
- TVs and computers too close to flammable materials
Storage Areas – Garage, Basement and Yard
- Clutter near your furnace or heater
- Gasoline and other flammable liquids not sealed properly, and placed too close to heat sources
- A grill too close to your home
