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This fact sheet is
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a reader. This document was produced in cooperation with the Emergency
Management Division of the Washington State Military Department.
Household Fires
Fires in homes are most often caused by
cooking accidents, smoking or unsafe use of woodstoves or space heaters.
Here are some things you can do to avoid a home fire or protect yourself
during a fire.
Protecting against fires
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Install smoke detectors in or near all
sleeping areas and on every level of your home, including the
basement. Check smoke detectors on a regular basis and replace the
batteries twice yearly.
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Have A-B-C type fire extinguishers. Teach
family members how to use them.
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Know the location of all exits including
windows. If you live in an apartment, count the number of doorways
between your apartment and the two nearest exits.
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Know two ways out of every room in case
smoke or flames block your primary exit.
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Choose a meeting place outside the home.
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Have an escape plan and practice it with
your family. This will help ensure you can get out quickly when
there is no time for mistakes.
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Keep folding or chain style ladders
stored in each upstairs bedroom.
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Use alternative heat sources, such as
woodstoves or space heaters, safely:
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Never use gas ovens, gas ranges,
barbecues, or most portable or propane heaters for indoor heating.
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Have fire-fighting materials available:
dry powder, fire extinguisher, heavy tarp or blanket, and water.
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Before using an alternative heat source,
read the manufacturer's instructions.
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Do not smoke in the bedroom, on the couch
or anywhere you might fall asleep while smoking.
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Sleep with your bedroom door closed.
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Make sure your house number is clearly
visible from the street and that fire trucks can reach your home.
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Have fire-fighting materials available:
dry powder, fire extinguisher, heavy tarp or blanket, and water.
If fire strikes
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If there is a fire — evacuate. Do not go
back inside. Call 9-1-1 from a neighbor's house.
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Never use water on an electrical fire.
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Smother oil and grease fires in the
kitchen with baking soda or salt, or put a lid over the flame if
it is burning in a pan.
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If caught in smoke — drop to your hands
and knees and crawl; breathe shallowly through your nose and use
your blouse, shirt or jacket as a filter.
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If you must move through flames — hold
your breath, move quickly, cover your head and hair, keep your
head down and close your eyes as much as possible.
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If your clothes catch fire, “stop, drop
and roll” until the fire is out.
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If you are in a room and cannot escape,
leave the door closed, stay low to the floor and hang a white or
light-colored sheet outside the window.
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Be sure all family members are accounted for. If someone is
missing, let the fire department know.
DOH Pub 821-029
Revised - October 2006
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