Fire Prevention Week 2026 - Fire Safety Tips

This information is provided by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). For more details about this organization, visit: https://www.nfpa.org/about-nfpa/press-room/reporters-guide-to-fire/key-fire-safety-tips

Key Fire Safety Tips: Many home fires can be prevented.

Watch your cooking: Stay in the kitchen when frying, grilling, or broiling food. If you need to leave, even briefly, turn off the stove.

Give space heaters space: Keep fixed and portable space heaters at least three feet away from anything that can burn. Turn them off when you leave the room or go to sleep.

Smoke outside: Encourage smokers to smoke outdoors. Provide sturdy, deep ashtrays for cigarette disposal.

Keep matches and lighters out of reach: Store matches and lighters up high, out of reach of children, ideally in a cabinet with a child lock.

Inspect electrical cords: Replace cords that are cracked, damaged, have broken plugs, or loose connections.

Be careful with candles: Keep candles at least one foot away from anything that can burn. Make sure to blow out candles when you leave the room or go to sleep.

Have a home fire escape plan: Create a home fire escape plan and practice it at least twice each year.

Install smoke alarms: Place smoke alarms on every level of your home, inside bedrooms, and outside sleeping areas. Interconnect smoke alarms, so when one sounds, they all sound.

Test smoke alarms: Test alarms monthly and replace batteries yearly or when you hear a low-battery “chirp.” Replace any smoke alarm that is over 10 years old.

Install sprinklers: If you are building or remodeling your home, install residential fire sprinklers. Sprinklers can control and possibly extinguish a fire faster than the fire department can arrive.

REMINDER: Fairfield Community Fire Company Open House is scheduled for October 18, 2026. Make plans to attend this free family friendly event. More information will be available soon.