Be Fire Safe!

Smoke alarms save lives!  Install a smoke alarm near your kitchen, on each level of your home, near sleeping areas, and inside and outside bedrooms if you sleep with the door closed.

Use the test button to check your smoke alarm each month.  Replace all batteries at least once a year.  Having a working smoke alarm reduces the risk of dying in a home fire by nearly half. 

Stay in the kitchen when frying, grilling, or broiling food.

Extinguish candles when leaving the room or going to sleep.

Inspect electrical cords and replace or repair loose or damaged cords.

Keep space heaters 3 feet from anything that can burn - curtains, bedding, furniture, walls, etc.

Keep matches, lighters and other ignitable substances in a secured location out of the reach of children, and only use lighters with child-resistant features.  Teach children to tell you or another responsible adult when they find matches or lighters at home or school.

Develop a home fire escape plan and practice with your family several times a year.  Also practice 'stop, drop, and roll' and low crawling.

Familiarize children with the sound of your smoke alarm and what to do when they hear it.

Teach your children not to be scared of firefighters.  Take them to your local fire department to meet firefighters and learn about fire safety.

Visit www.redcross.org/homefires for more information on fire safety, or contact the Central Plains American Red Cross.