The DomiDocs Guide to Home Fire Preparedness

A-B-C-rated fire extinguishers are for home use. Some are designed for single use and need to be replaced once they have been activated. 

Ensure you have a non-expired fire extinguisher on each floor of your home, as well as in the kitchen and garage.

If you have a BBQ, keep it at least 10 feet away from railings, siding, and overhanging branches; ensure a fire extinguisher is nearby.

If you’re unsure how to use a fire extinguisher, many fire departments offer free training; or follow the manufacturer’s instructions. 

Generally, the operation of a fire extinguisher includes ‘PASS’:

Pull the pin

Aim at the base of the fire

Squeeze the lever

Sweep from side to side

Note: the NRPS recommends that only adults should operate fire extinguishers.

The American Red Cross notes that before using a fire extinguisher to fight a fire, you should be sure that:

• The fire department has been notified
• Everyone has left or is leaving the home
• The fire is small in size and is not spreading
• There isn’t a lot of smoke present that could incapacitate you
• Your back is facing an exit that you can access quickly

Properly maintain your fire extinguishers

Besides the dangers of visible fire, carbon monoxide is a silent killer. It’s created in a home when fuels burn incompletely and the remaining carbon monoxide spreads throughout the home. 

Never, ever, use a propane, gas, natural gas, or charcoal-burning device within your home, basement, garage, or partially enclosed area. This includes using a stove (especially a gas stove) to heat your home.

If a carbon monoxide alarm sounds, open the doors/windows and evacuate outside to fresh air immediately.

• Have your wood-burning fireplace inspected and cleaned annually. Always use a fireplace screen and ensure a fire is fully extinguished before bedtime.
• Keep a space heater at least 3 feet away from combustible objects. Only purchase heaters with nationally recognized approval.
• Remove dryer lint every time you do a load of laundry. Regularly inspect the external vent to ensure it’s free of debris. 
• If you’re cooking in the kitchen, stay in the kitchen.
• Keep flammable items like kitchen towels and aprons away from stoves. 
• Don’t wear loose, flowy clothing when cooking.
• If a grease fire starts in a pot or pan, cover it with a lid and turn off the heat. Baking soda can also be used to quell a fire. Do NOT use water as the fire may spread. 
• Don’t store combustibles near the water heater as they’re a fire hazard.
• Limit the use of candles in a home and teach candle safety:

• Never leave burning candles unattended.
• Keep burning candles away from kids and pets; keep them at least 12 inches away from flammable materials.
• Extinguish candles properly to snuff out the flame.
• Use flameless candles instead to avoid fire risk.

Smoking materials cause the most home fire deaths in the US. Take precautions:

• Only smoke outside
• Use sturdy ashtrays
• Never smoke in bed, or while taking drowsy medication, or while intoxicated
• Store lighters and matches away from kids, preferably in a locked space

Ensure that electrical cords are free from fraying, and aren’t tucked under rugs for aesthetics. Avoid overloading outlets.

Sleep with your bedroom door closed so it acts as a barrier to slow down a fire.

Holiday home fire hazards include: worn holiday lights; a dry Christmas tree; placing a tree too close to a heat source; and overloading outlets and extension cords.

Know that fire is fast, hot, dark, and deadly.

Consider equipping your home with an automatic sprinkler system

Consider equipping your home with an automatic sprinkler system

Develop an evacuation plan and practice a regular fire safety drill. Understand that:

You could have under 2 minutes to escape a home fire once a smoke alarm sounds

Every member of your family needs to know what your homeowner’s evacuation plan is. 

Make and practice your fire escape plan:

• Draw a map of your home, including all doors and windows.
• Find 2 ways out of every room.
• Practice feeling a way out of your home with your eyes closed and by crawling (in the case of heavy smoke).
• Make sure windows and doors are never blocked and open freely.
• Where will your family meet? Establish the specific spot where you will gather. This ensures all family members have been accounted for.
• Practice your home fire drill with everyone in the home.
• Get outside to your meeting place.
• If you live in a condo or apartment:
  • Leave your apartment and close the door.
  • Pull the fire alarm to alert others.
  • Use the stairs to exit the building; do NOT use the elevator.
  • Go to your designated meeting place.
  • Call the fire department.

Teach your kids what a smoke alarm sounds like. If you have a multi-level home with bedrooms on the upper floors, purchase emergency rope ladders to keep in each closet.

In case of a nonconfined fire, have a to-go bag ready with all the supplies you’ll need, including pet items.

Teach the basics of Stop, Drop, and Roll

If by chance a family member’s clothes catch on fire, teach them how and practice: Stop, Drop, and Roll while covering your face with your hands. Smother any remaining flames with a towel or blanket. Use cool water to treat burns for 3 to 5 minutes, then cover with a clean, dry cloth. Seek medical attention by calling 911 or your fire department.

Assemble disaster supplies for your family members and your pets.

The American Red Cross recommends gathering 2 emergency supply kits:

1. A Go-Kit: with a 3-day supply of items you can carry with you, including chargers for your devices (cell phone, wheelchair, CPAP, etc.) and backup batteries; as well as non-perishable food, water, and medications. Cash is also important to have on hand as ATMs may not be working/accessible. 
2. A Stay-at-Home Kit: with a 2-week supply of the above items.

NOAA recommends adding the following to round out your emergency disaster supply kits, where applicable:

• masks, disinfecting wipes, and hand sanitizer
• non-prescription medicines such as antacids, anti-diarrhea, and pain relievers
• contact lens solution/prescription eyeglasses
• baby bottles, formula, wipes, diapers, and diaper rash cream
• feminine hygiene supplies
• sleeping bags/blankets
• a change of clothing for each family member, including sensible footwear
• fire extinguisher
• matches in a fireproof container
• mess kit with plates, utensils, cups, and paper towels
• activities for kids like puzzles, games, or books

Review/update your homeowner insurance policy.

It’s estimated that 40% of Americans can’t find an important household document when needed, so the first step is to upload your vital household documents to our user-friendly digital platform, so there’s easy access 24/7/365. 

Secondly, reassess your homeowner policy to ensure you have the best coverage to fit your needs. Compare the cost and coverage you have in place, to what else is available from your current insurer and other companies. If there have been any major additions to your home and/or contents in the last year, it’s time to review your homeowner insurance policy to ensure it’ll cover your new additions.

Have supplies on hand to make emergency repairs.

Such supplies can include plastic sheeting, tarps, sandbags, and/or plywood, plus the necessary tools to apply these to your home like a staple gun and/or duct tape.

Take the time to emergency life-saving skills.

The American Red Cross recommends that adults and kids around nine learn first aid and CPR skills.