Safe at Home Fire Do's and Dont's

Throughout the House

Don't be one of the 4,500 Americans who die in fires every year. Follow these easy tips to stay safe in your home.

• DO install a smoke detector on every level.
• DO plan your escape routes in case fire does strike.

Bedroom

• DON'T smoke in bed.
• DON'T place heaters within 3 feet of flammable materials.
• DON'T use heaters to dry clothes.
• DON'T use extension cords with portable heaters.
• DON'T leave heaters unattended or sleep while they are on.
• DO unplug heaters after you turn them off.

Living/Family Room

• DON'T put ashtrays on chairs or sofa arms.
• DON'T staple electrical cords to walls or otherwise pierce the insulation.
• DON'T leave unattended cigarettes burning in ashtrays.
• DON'T run electrical cord under rugs, over nails or in high traffic areas.
• DO clean chimneys yearly.

Kitchen

• DON'T leave food unattended on the stove. If you must leave the kitchen, take a utensil along as a reminder.
• DON'T cook while wearing sleeves that can dangle near burners.
• DON'T let grease build up on your stove or oven.
• DON'T overload electrical outlets with appliances.
• DON'T let curtains hang near a stove or range.
• DO check the kitchen before bed. Oven off? Coffee pot unplugged?

General Prevention Checklist

General Safety

• SMOKE DETECTORS placed near the bedrooms and on every level.
• SMOKE DETECTORS' batteries tested monthly.
• 911 - know when to call for help.
• Doors, hallways, and stairs clear of obstructions.

Electrical Safety

• No flammable materials (such as furniture, clothes, curtains or towels) within three feet of space heaters or stoves.
• No flammable liquids stored near ignition sources.
• No frayed or cracked electrical cords.
• No electrical cord under rugs, over nails or in high traffic areas.
• No overloaded electrical outlets or extension cords.
• No electrical cords near sink or stove.
• All fuses in fuse box are correct size and rating.
• All outlets have cover plates and no exposed wiring.

Alternate Heating Safety

• Plug heaters directly into wall socket and unplug when not in use.
• No alternate heaters placed where they can be knocked over.

Kitchen Safety

• No small pans on large burners or large pans on small burners.
• Dish towels not to be used as pot holders.
• Turn pot handles away from front of stove

The Emergency phone number for fire, emergency medical services and law enforcement in Sarpy County is 9 - 1 - 1 . Post this number, and your doctor's phone number, on each phone in the house.

Other files in the Fire Safety Series

Winter Fire Safety Tips for the Home
Check Your Hot Spots
This is Fire
Your Family Emergency Plan

If you have any questions or comments please call us at 402-593-5785 or

Return to the Sarpy County Emergency Management and Communication Home Page

Created September 22, 1997

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