Ask the Expert: Fire Prevention Tips

SMOKE ALARMS

• 3 out of 5 home fire deaths result from fires without working smoke alarms.
• The risk of dying in a home fire is cut in HALF in homes with working smoke alarms.
• Test Monthly, Change Batteries Annually, Replace every 10 years
• Install smoke alarms on each level of your home, in and outside each bedroom

FIRE ESCAPE PLANS
When there is a fire, Get Out and Stay Out!
You may have less than 2 minutes to get out safely once the smoke alarm sounds.

• Plan two ways out of every room.
• Design a fire escape plan around your abilities.
• Make sure all doors and windows open easily.
• Practice your escape plan at least twice a year
• Choose an outside meeting place where firefighters can easily see you.

COOKING IS THE LEADING CAUSE OF WINTER HOME FIRES

• Maintain a 3-foot safe zone around stoves and grills.
• Stay in the kitchen when you fry, boil, grill or broil food.

​HEATING IS THE SECOND LEADING CAUSE OF HOME FIRES

• Have Heating and Cooling appliances checked annually by a qualified technician
• Give space heaters their space, allow 3 feet of clear area

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FIRE PREVENTION SAVES LIVES
​JOIN THE FIGHT!

We work together because FIRE is everyone’s Fight

More Life savings tips are available at:
www.usfa.fema.gov/prevention/outreach/
www.ready.gov/home-fires
www.nfpa.org/Public-Education

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Information in this "Ask the Expert" column was provided by:

Volunteer Fire Company
The Company's 67 volunteer firefighters provide the manpower for calls to the Washington Fire Department and the Washington Community Fire District.
Professional Volunteer Service since 1852.

Fire Department
​The City of Washington Fire Department owns a great deal of equipment that is utilized by the Washington Community Fire District, and provides training for the volunteers of the Fire Company.

Washington Community Fire Protection District
This district funds fire and rescue service for unincorporated areas of the Washington Community through a property tax.  The district is assisted by the Volunteer Company and City Department.

 
www.washmofire.org