HOME FIRES - MOST COMMON! MOST PREVENTABLE! Here are important safety tips

The most common disaster, a home fire, can happen anywhere to anyone, yet it is highly preventable. With the approach of winter and increased use of wood stoves, candles and dried evergreens, the local NH Gateway Chapter of the American Red Cross urges New Hampshire families to review steps for home fire prevention.

Volunteers and staff from the chapter provide relief after a disaster, but also work with New Hampshire communities to help prevent and prepare for disasters. The Red Cross recommends the following tips to keep you and your family safe from a home fire.

Make Your Home Fire Safe

Smoke alarms save lives. Install a smoke alarm outside each sleeping area and on each additional level of your home.

• If people sleep with doors closed, install smoke alarms inside sleeping areas, too.

• Use the test button to check each smoke alarm once a month. When necessary, replace batteries immediately. Replace all batteries at least once a year. 

• Vacuum away cobwebs and dust from your smoke alarms monthly. 

• Smoke alarms become less sensitive over time. Replace your smoke alarms every ten years. 

• Consider having one or more working fire extinguishers in your home. Get training from the fire department in how to use them. 

• Consider installing an automatic fire sprinkler system in your home. 

Plan Your Escape Routes 

• Determine at least two ways to escape from every room of your home.
• Consider escape ladders for sleeping areas on the second or third floor. Learn how to use them and store them near the window.
• Select a location outside your home where everyone would meet after escaping.
• Practice your escape plan at least twice a year.
• Escape Safely

Once you are out, stay out! Call the fire department from a neighbor's home.

• If you see smoke or fire in your first escape route, use your second way out. If you must exit through smoke, crawl low under the smoke to your exit.
• If you are escaping through a closed door, feel the door before opening it. If it is warm, use your second way out.
• If smoke, heat, or flames block your exit routes, stay in the room with the door closed. Signal for help using a bright-colored cloth at the window. If there is a telephone in the room, call the fire department and tell them where you are.

NH Gateway Chapter- American Red Cross Chapter Can Provide Additional Materials in English and Spanish:

"Your Family Disaster Plan" (ARC 4466)

"Your Family Disaster Supplies Kit" (ARC 4463) 

"Disaster Preparedness Coloring Book" (PDF File) (ARC 2200, English, or ARC 2200S, Spanish) for children ages 3-10. "Adventures of the Disaster Dudes" (ARC 5024) video and Presenter's Guide for use by an adult with children in grades 4-6.

Fact Sheet on the Danger of Home Fires

Carbon Monoxide (CO) Poisoning Prevention (PDF File)