Fire Safety
Fire safety is crucial for protecting your home and the people you care about. Each year, thousands of homes are affected by fires, many of which can be prevented with simple precautions. This webpage provides essential tips to help you reduce the risk of fire in your home. From cooking safety to the importance of having an escape plan, these guidelines are designed to keep you and your loved ones safe. Stay informed, stay prepared, and stay safe.
For information about the use of recreational fires, open burns, and fireworks, please visit our policies webpage.
Smoke Alarms
- Smoke alarms save lives by providing early warning of a fire
- Smoke alarms should be installed in every bedroom, outside each sleeping area, and on each level of the residence, including the basement
- Test the batteries monthly
- Replace alarms every 10 years
- A continued set of three loud beeps means smoke or fire. Get out, call 911, and stay out
- Read the back of the alarm to learn what other beeps and lights indicate
Carbon Monoxide (CO) Alarms
- CO alarms should be placed on each level of the residence and within 15 feet of sleeping rooms
- Do not place too close to furnaces, water heaters, or fireplaces
- A continuous set of four loud beeps means carbon monoxide is present in your home. Get out, call 911, and stay out
For those who are deaf or hard of hearing, use alarms with strobe lights and bed-shaking (vibration) features
If you need any assistance or have questions about your home's smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, please call us at 303-658-4536.
- Never leave a hot stove unattended
- Keep flammable items (towels, paper, curtains) away from heat
- Use a timer to remind you that food is cooking
- Have a kid-free zone of at least 3 feet around hot surfaces
- For grease fires: slide a lid over the pan and turn off the burner
- Oven fire? Turn the heat off and keep the door closed
Electrical Safety
- Keep flammable items off lamps or lightbulbs
- Do not run cords under heavy furniture - heavy items can wear out the cord and cause a fire
Candle Safety
- Blow out candles before leaving a room or going to sleep
- Avoid using candles where people may fall asleep
- Never leave children alone with candles
- Store matches and lighters out of children's reach
Grilling Safety
- Before you turn on your gas grill, check the gas supply hose for leaks
- Place the grill away from the home, deck railings, and branches
- Keep the grill clean by removing grease or fat buildup
- For charcoal grills - only use charcoal starter fluid and let the coals cool completely before disposing in a metal container
Smoking Safety
- If you smoke, smoke outside - most home smoking fires start indoors
- Never smoke in bed or when drowsy
- Use deep, sturdy ashtrays. Douse ashes and cigarette butts in water before disposing
- Keep cigarettes, lighters, and matches away from children
Oily Rags
- Never leave oily rags in a pile - they can spontaneously combust
- Dry them flat outside, away from buildings
- Store used rags in a sealed metal container
Lithium-Ion Batteries
- Lithium-Ion batteries are found in devices like phones, laptops, e-bikes, and toys
- Use only the manufacturer's battery and charger
- Look for the UL (Underwriters Laboratories) mark to ensure the product meets safety standards
- Never charge under pillows, on beds, or on couches
- Damaged or mishandled batteries can catch fire or explode
- Do not throw batteries in the trash. Recycle them at a battery drop-off or hazardous waste facility
- Know 2 ways out of every room
- Make sure all exits open easily
- Practice your plan with all household members
- Teach kids how to escape on their own
- Pick an outdoor meeting place
- Crawl low under smoke if escaping during a fire
- Never go back inside for pets or belongings
- Close doors to slow the spread of fire and smoke
- "Close before you doze" - sleep with bedroom doors closed
- If evacuating, close doors behind you to help contain the fire