Fire Safety

Nationwide, kitchen fires are the cause of most house fires. However, rural areas like our own see far more fires related to heating devices and dryers. Please have your chimneys checked or inspected yearly. Also, please check your clothing dryers yearly. By checking the vent in the back of your dryer, you can prevent a very common cause to a fire emergency. Fires from heating devices and dryers are the most common ones we see in this district. If you have questions about how to do these inspections, call (360) 595-0130 or (360) 815-7483.

The following fire safety tips are recommended by the United States Fire Administration. For more information about how you can keep your home and family fire safe, call (360) 595-0130 or (360) 815-7483. You can also print out a safety checklist. The U.S. Home Product Safety Commission provides a very detailed safety checklist.

Smoke Alarms

  • Place smoke alarms near or inside bedrooms and on every level of the home.
  • Test the batteries monthly and change the batteries at least once a year.
  • Install smoke alarms on ceilings or high on the wall, with the top of the alarm not closer than four inches from the ceiling.

Safe Heating Practices

Alternative Heaters

  • Keep heaters at a safe distance from curtains, furniture and all combustibles.
  • Place heaters where they will not be knocked over easily.

Kerosene Heaters

  • Fill only with K-1 Kerosene, and never use gasoline or camp stove fuel.

Electric Space Heaters

  • Plug heaters directly into the wall socket, and not into extension cords.
  • Unplug heaters when they’re not being used.

Woodstoves and Fireplaces

  • Always use a protective screen.
  • Clean interiors, hearths and chimneys yearly.

Safe Cooking Practices

  • Don’t leave cooking food unattended on the stove.
  • Keep dangling clothing away from burners and keep curtains and other combustibles away from the stove.
  • Make sure the stove is off and small appliances are unplugged before going to bed.

Safe Smoking Practices

  • Never smoke in bed.
  • Keep ashtrays away from upholstered furniture and curtains.
  • Never leave burning cigarettes unattended.

Home Fire Safety

  • Consider installing residential fire sprinklers.
  • Replace wiring if it’s frayed or cracked.
  • Avoid overloading outlets.
  • Extinguish all candles when leaving the room or going to sleep. Keep candles away from paper and fabrics.

Children and Fire Safety

  • Keep matches and lighters away from children.
  • Familiarize children with the sound of the smoke alarm and teach them when one sounds off, crawl low, leave the house, and meet at the designated place outside.

Home Fire Escape Plan

  • Develop and practice a fire escape plan. Draw a diagram of the home. Mark all windows and doors, and plan two routes out of each room.
  • Have a safe meeting place outside the home and never go back inside.