Local fire departments in the U.S. respond to millions of fires each year. Following these fire safety and prevention guidelines in your home may save your family’s life.

• Make sure smoke alarms are installed on every level of your home including the basement. Local and state laws stating where you must install smoke alarms vary, but almost all require smoke alarms in hallways outside of sleeping areas, and on the ceiling at the base of each stairway leading to a floor. Some local laws also require a smoke alarm in every sleeping area. If you are renting, your landlord must install smoke alarms that comply with local fire laws. If you have questions about smoke alarm laws in the state or city you live, message us.

• Test your smoke alarms every month and install new batteries if needed. If you are renting and you find that your smoke alarms are not functioning, contact your landlord immediately.

• Sit down with your family and work out an escape plan in case of a fire. Be sure that everyone knows at least two unobstructed exits (including windows) from every room. Decide on a meeting place outside. Have your entire household practice your escape plan twice a year.

• Keep your oven and stove clean and always keep alert when cooking. Cooking accidents are the leading cause of house fires in the U.S.

• Invest in a fire extinguisher and keep it close to where you cook, but away from a place where children can access it.

• Be extremely careful when smoking and keep a close eye on smokers. Not being careful when smoking is the leading cause of fire deaths in North America.

• Keep portable heaters and space heaters at least three feet away from anything flammable. Turn them off before you go to bed or when you are not in the room. Heaters are the second leading cause of home fires in the U.S.

• Be extremely careful with candles and incense and never leave them burning unattended.

• If an electric appliance smokes or has an unusual smell, unplug it immediately, then have it serviced before using it again or discard it. Don’t use an appliance with a cracked or frayed power cord. Plug only one electrical cord into each receptacle. Avoid running any cords under rugs.

• If you have a clothes dryer, keep the exhaust pipe clean of lint, which can catch on fire.

• Store flammable products safely away from heat or open flames.

• Keep lighters and matches away from children.