October is National Fire Prevention Month, a time to learn about fire safety so you and your loved ones can be protected.
Fire is fast, hot, dark and deadly. In less than 30 seconds, a small flame can become a major fire. Residents may have as few as one to two minutes to escape safely from the time a smoke alarm sounds.
Talk to your family about fire prevention, such as installing smoke alarms on each floor, testing and changing batteries, using fire extinguishers, not leaving candles unattended and planning escape routes.
Fire quickly produces black smoke, and the fumes are odorless, so you may not wake up to escape without alarms. Having an escape plan and practicing that plan can help you and your family get out in time.
The U.S. Fire Administration offers additional tips to keep your home safe:
- Cooking accidents are a leading cause of fire, so stand by your pans and watch them when they’re in use. Move things away from stoves that can easily catch fire.
- Keep anything that can burn at least 3 feet away from fireplaces, wood stoves, portable heaters and radiators. Unplug heaters when not in use.
- Plug only one heat-producing appliance into an electrical outlet. Never use an extension cord.
- Know two ways out of each room and keep those exits clear.
- If a fire occurs, alert your family, get out of the house safely and call 911.