Fire prevention and fire safety guide

House fires are among the most common disasters in the country. In fact, about 27 percent of all fires in the U.S. occur in residential homes. And according to the National Fire Protection Association, residential fires are the leading cause of fire-related deaths each year.

There are many ways to ensure your home is protected from a fire. Practicing prevention methods and following fire safety procedures can help you keep your home safe and fire-free.

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Following are a few of the most common fire safety tips.

• Light wattage – Always choose light bulbs with the correct wattage for your lamps and light fixtures. Your lights should include a sticker with the recommended wattage. Using the right light bulbs will ensure your lights aren’t overwhelmed or lead to any electrical issues.
• Overloaded sockets – Overloading sockets (or plugging too many devices into one socket) can lead to an overheated outlet, which can spark and cause a fire. Larger electrical devices, such as your washing machine, should have a socket to themselves. You can also use surge protectors to prevent damage from voltage spikes.
• Damaged electrical cords – Old or damaged electrical cords can spark and quickly spread a fire. Make a point of checking on your electrical cords regularly and replace any that are showing their wear.
• Unplug unused appliances – When not in use, unplug your devices or appliances. This will protect them from electrical surges that could damage them or cause them to overheat. What’s more, many appliances continue to consume power even when they’re not in use. We call these devices “energy vampires.” Unplugging them when you aren’t using them will protect against fires and help you lower your household’s overall energy consumption.
• Don’t let your appliances overheat – Keep an eye on your appliances to make sure they aren’t overheating. Damaged cords, discolored or burnt outlets, smoke, or an unusually warm appliance are all signs of overheating, which can lead to a fire.
• Clean your exhaust fans – Your bathroom’s exhaust fan works like other electrical devices. If it malfunctions or is covered in a layer of dust, it could spark and cause a fire. Keep your exhaust fan clean and well-maintained, just like you would for any other appliance.
• Keep items away from furnaces and heaters – Flammable or combustible items should never be placed near open flames, fireplaces, furnaces, or heaters.
• If equipment or plugs get wet, have a professional it – Plugging appliances or devices into a wet socket can lead to major electrical malfunctions and significantly increases the risk of a fire.
• Know where your electrical panel is and how to use it.
• Smoke detectors are a must – Smoke detectors and alarms are the most obvious way to prevent a major fire disaster. Make sure your home has the recommended amount of smoke detectors and that they work properly at all times.

Throughout your home:

• Keep a smoke alarm on every floor of your home
• Check your smoke alarms once a month and change the batteries as needed
• Keep a carbon monoxide alarm on every floor of your home
• Have a fire escape plan ready and make sure everyone in your family knows what to do in the event of a fire
• Keep your entryways clear for quick and easy escape
• Determine two exit strategies for every room in your house in case one exit is blocked

In the kitchen:

• Keep your appliances clean and clear of flammable objects
• Never leave a pot or pan unattended while the stove is one
• Turn pot and pan handles toward the back of the stove so they will not get knocked over

In the living room:

• Be mindful of candles – Keep them away from children and pets, put them in a secure location, and never leave them unattended
• Turn off lights or electronics when they’re not in use
• Maintain your fireplace – clean it regularly and check that there is no buildup
• Keep matches and lighters away from children

In the bedroom(s):

• Unplug any energy vampires when they’re not in use
• Do not leave a space heater or electric blanket turned on unattended or overnight
• Use surge protectors and avoid overloading sockets

There are five types of fires, and they are usually determined by the fuel source. Types of fire are broken down into Class A, Class B, Class C, Class D, and Class K fires. Based on the classification of fire, there are also different types of fire extinguishers.

Class A Fires and Class A fire extinguishers

Class A fires burn ordinary combustibles as their fuel source, including wood, cloth, trash, plastics, and paper. Class A fires are often accidental – for example, a bonfire that grew too large or a trash fire that spread quickly.

Class A fire extinguishers normally use pressurized water or dry chemicals. While the water works to put the fire out, the dry chemicals absorb the heat or coat the fire completely.

• Class A fire – fueled by wood, cloth, trash, paper, or plastics
• Class A fire extinguishers – extinguish using water or dry chemicals

Class B fires and Class B fire extinguishers

Class B fires burn from flammable liquid or gas. Commonly, Class B fires include gasoline, kerosene, or petroleum-based oils and paints. Butane and propane also act as a fuel source in Class B fires. It’s important to note that any fire created by cooking is classified as a Class K fire.

Many times, the best way to extinguish a class B fire is by smothering the fire to cut off its oxygen. Class B fire extinguishers normally use carbon dioxide, foam agents, dry chemicals, and clean agents. These types of Class B fire extinguishers will remove the oxygen or the heat from the fire.

• Class B fire – fueled by flammable liquids or gas
• Class B fire extinguishers – extinguish using carbon dioxide, foam, dry chemicals, and clean agents

Class C fires and Class C fire extinguishers

Class C fires stem from electrical equipment such as wiring, machinery, appliances, or motors. Class C fires are most common in industries or businesses that use heavy machinery or electrical equipment. However, Class C fires can occur in small businesses or residential homes if they result from faulty wiring or appliances malfunctioning.

To extinguish a Class C fire, start by shutting off the power source. From there, Class C fire extinguishers will fight electrical fires by releasing materials that cut off the conduction of electricity. Class C fire extinguishers use non-conductive materials such as carbon dioxide, dry chemicals, or clean agents.

It is important to note that you should never use a water-based extinguisher on a Class C fire. Fighting an electrical fire with water is not only ineffective, but also dangerous and can put you at risk of electrical shock. When choosing a Class C fire extinguisher, be sure to stick to the approved materials.

• Class C fire – fueled by electrical equipment
• Class C fire extinguishers – extinguish using non-conductive materials

Class D fires and Class D fire extinguishers

Class D fires are fueled by combustible metals such as aluminum, magnesium, titanium, and lithium as the fuel source. Class D fires can be especially dangerous in lab environments.

Class D fire extinguishers should not include water, which can intensify the heat of the fire when combined with Class D fire fuel sources. Instead, Class D fire extinguishers should use a dry powder agent to fight the fire. Dry powder agents include powdered graphite, granular sodium chloride, or a copper-based extinguisher. Dry powder extinguishers will smother and remove the oxygen from the Class D fire.

• Class D fires – fueled by combustible metals
• Class D fire extinguishers – extinguish using dry powder agents

Class K fires and Class K fire extinguishers

Class K fires are cooking fires involving oils and grease found in kitchens. Naturally, Class K fires are most common in the food and restaurant industries. When a Class K fire reaches a high temperature, it can spread quickly and become especially destructive.

Class K fire extinguishers use a process called saponification – which releases an alkaline agent to create a foam. The foam from a Class K fire extinguisher separates the fuel from the oxygen and absorbs the heat from the fire.

Only a Class K fire extinguisher should be used on a Class K fire. Water-based fire extinguishers will only spread a Class K fire because it is fueled by grease or oil.

• Class K fires – fueled by cooking oils and grease
• Class K fire extinguishers – extinguish using alkaline agents to create a foam

It’s important to understand the components of a fire. There are four key elements that make a fire: fuel, oxygen, heat, and the chemical reaction of fire. See the fire triangle below:

How to use a fire extinguisher

The first step in using a fire extinguisher is to determine which type would work best in a certain environment. For example, a Class K fire extinguisher – which uses alkaline agents – is best suited for a kitchen or restaurant. Meanwhile, a Class B extinguisher is best for putting out gasoline-fueled fires, so it’s a good idea to have it on hand when grilling at home.

Experts recommend using the P.A.S.S. method when using a fire extinguisher:

• P: Pull the pin on the fire extinguisher
• A: Aim the hose nozzle towards the base of the fire
• S: Squeeze the handle of the fire extinguisher
• S: Sweep the nozzle of the extinguisher left and right, pointed at the base of the fire

What to do if there’s a fire

Here is a step-by-step explanation of what to do in the event of a fire:

1. Sound a fire alarm and call the fire department.
2. Find a path to safety and do not let fire, heat, or smoke come between you and your safety route.
3. Select the appropriate fire extinguisher.
4. Standing six feet away from the fire, discharge the extinguisher using the P.A.S.S. method (pull, aim, squeeze, sweep).
5. Once the fire is extinguished, back away in case the flames flare up again.
6. Evacuate immediately using your safety route if the extinguisher runs dry or the fire progresses.

How to extinguish types of fires

Microwaves: If the fire has not spread past the microwave, close the microwave door and unplug the appliance if you’re able to safely reach the outlet. Shutting the door will cut the fire off from oxygen and suffocate the flames.

Ovens: If the fire has not spread past the oven, close the oven door and unplug it if you can safely reach the outlet. If the fire has spread or is too large to close the door, use the proper fire extinguisher to put out the flames. The type of fire extinguisher you should use will depend on what started the fire. For example, if the fire is grease-fueled, use a Class K extinguisher. If the fire started due to faulty wiring, use a Class C extinguisher.

Gas fires: Water will not put out a gas fire. If you don’t have the proper fire extinguisher on hand, try to smother the flames using a blanket. If you own a gas fireplace, make sure you have the correct type of fire extinguisher nearby.

Televisions: The heat from a television can start a fire if flammable objects are too close. And, like most types of electric devices, televisions can malfunction, spark, and cause an electrical fire. If your television is smoking or on fire, unplug it if you’re able to do so safely. Be sure to have the correct type of fire extinguisher in your home in the event of an electrical fire.

Campfires: If your weekend plans involve burning a campfire, remember to keep the flames at a manageable level and never leave the fire unattended. Once the wood has burned down to ash, pour water onto the embers until you no longer hear a sizzling sound. If you don’t have water on hand, dirt will also put out the embers. Before leaving the campfire, carefully test the heat level with your hand. If it still feels hot to touch, it’s too hot to leave unattended.

Fires can lead to a myriad of environmental, societal, and financial hardships. In the U.S. alone, NIFC reported more than 52,000 wildfires burned nearly 8.9 million acres in 2020.

2020 was a particularly bad year for wildfires in the U.S. More than 30 fatalities were reported  on the West Coast as wildfires ravaged California, Oregon, and Washington.

House fires can lead to deep financial stress. The average insurance claim for a house fire is about $80,000. Currently, fires are the fourth most common insurance claim for property damage.

Keep fire materials away from your kids

• Keep matches and lighters in a safe location out of your child’s reach.
• Never leave candles unattended, especially when there are children present.
• Monitor your kids when they’re in the kitchen and do not let them cook without adult supervision.

Prepare a kid-friendly fire escape plan

• Think through an escape plan for young children and babies who will not be able to get out of the home on their own.
• Designate two ways out of every room. If one exit is blocked or too dangerous to use, make sure there is a backup option. Talk to your kids about the exit plan for each room.
• Choose a meeting place outside of the home. Make sure it is easy to find and your kids know exactly where to go.
• Practice your escape plan with your children at least twice a year.

Fire safety tips for children

• Test your smoke alarms so your kids know what they sound like and what to do if they hear them go off.
• Teach your kids to Stop, Drop, and Roll if their clothes ever catch fire.
• Tell your children about “get out, stay out.” Only firefighters should enter a building when there is a fire. Under no circumstances should they ever enter a burning building.
• Don’t play with electric outlets or try to stick anything into the outlet.
• Never stick a metal object (like a fork or butter knife) into a toaster.
• Don’t put an electric device – such as a hairdryer – near the bathtub.

People ages 65 or older are twice as likely to be injured or die in a house fire compared to the rest of the population. Following are fire safety tips for senior citizens.

• Test your smoke alarms. Smoke alarms give you extra time to escape if there is a fire in your home. Install smoke alarms on every level of your home and in your bedroom. Test the alarms once a month and change the batteries once or twice a year.
• If you have difficulty hearing, install alarms that use a flashing light or vibration if there is a fire.
• Stay in your kitchen whenever you are cooking food. Once you are finished cooking, double check your oven and the burners on your stove to make sure you turned them off.
• Buy a space heater that will automatically turn off after a certain amount of time. Place your space heater on a level surface so it will not tip over, but avoid placing it on cabinets, tables, or pieces of furniture that could catch fire.
• Have a licensed electrician install electrical equipment. You should also call an electrician to check your electrical system if you notice frequent blown fuses or tripped circuit breakers.
• Plan your route to safety in the event of a fire. Make sure all of your doors and windows will open easily if you need to exit through them. Keep your glasses, hearing aids, keys, and/or phone nearby at night in case you need them.

More than 43 million Americans live with a disability. So, it’s important to understand how to stay safe in the event of a fire. Here are fire safety tips for people with disabilities:

• Build a fire safety plan that works for you. Think through how you will escape if there’s a fire and whether you will encounter any additional challenges. Make sure your fire safety plan accounts for these challenges and that you have a plan to safely escape your home.
• Install smoke alarms that will alert you if there’s a fire. There are smoke alarms that use vibrations or flashing lights if you may not hear the alarm. Test your alarms once a month and change the batteries regularly.
• If you’re able, sleep on the first floor. This is dependent on your living situation, but living or sleeping on the ground floor will make it easier to escape during a fire. If you live in an apartment, request a ground-floor unit. If you live in a multistory home, choose a room on the first floor as your main bedroom, if possible.
• Stay in contact with others. Keep your phone on your bedside table in case you need to call for help. You can also speak with your family and/or neighbors about your safety plan so they are aware of any assistance you might need during an emergency.

A fire can have a major impact on your life. But preparing ahead of time and practicing prevention habits can ease the risk of house fires.

The most important tip in this guide is to make a safety plan for your household. With your fire safety plan intact, you can escape from a house fire with minimal damage.

It’s worth noting that everyone’s fire safety plan will look different. Depending on your living situation, you may need to account for different challenges if a fire breaks out. That’s ok – just think through what you will need to quickly and safely exit your home.

The Choose Energy expert opinion

“In just two minutes a fire can become life-threatening, ready.gov says. In five minutes, a residence can be engulfed in flames. Prepare now for what could happen.”

Updated: 3/30/2021