Fire Safety Tips

In the interest of home fire safety, the Detroit Fire Department DOES NOT encourage or recommend the use of portable electric or kerosene heaters.  However, if a portable heater is used, please take the following precautions.
 

• Keep all portable heaters 5 feet from combustible materials, (i.e. furniture, bedding, and clothes).
• Check for frayed cords.
• Check heaters for a safety shut-off device.  Heaters must have this device.
• Use the correct fuel.
• Do not overfill.
• When refueling, always turn off the heater and let it cool completely.  Only refuel the heater outside.
• Store kerosene in a vented metal container with a tight-fitting lid.
• Never store kerosene or other flammable liquids near heat sources or in your home.
• Do not operate when you are sleeping or if you leave the home.
• Install UL-approved smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.

WINTER FIRE SAFETY

To prevent fires, the Fire Department encourages residents to:
 

• Install smoke detectors on each level of their home and outside of sleeping areas.
• Have an evacuation plan and make sure all family members know it.
• Keep cigarettes, lighters and matches out of sight and reach of children.
• Never smoke in bed.
• Use large ashtrays and douse butts and ashes with water before discarding them.
• Never overload circuits or utilize more than one appliance in an electrical outlet.
• Don't block exits or stairs.
• Annually clean chimney and use fire-proof glass doors for fireplaces.
• Never use security gates or bars.
• Never store gas-powered tools inside the home (i.e. lawnmower, chainsaw, and other equipment that uses a flammable liquid).
• Sleep with bedroom door closed.  This will slow the lethal spread of any smoke and fire.  

SURVIVAL SAFETY

If a fire should occur, take the following steps:
 

• Test doors with back of hand before opening.
• Use windows as an alternative escape route.
• Stuff clothing materials at bottom of doors if you are trapped, and hang a sheet or blanket outside of windows.
• Crawl low under smoke.
• Have a predetermined meeting spot, outside of your house, such as a neighbors' home.
• In a high-rise fire, never use elevators. Use stairs only.
• Once out, stay out. Never re-enter a burning home.