10 Essential Fire-Smart Behaviors for Home and Outdoor Safety

Fire can start quickly and spread even faster, causing damage, injury, or worse. Taking simple, smart steps both at home and outdoors can drastically reduce the risk of fire and keep you and your loved ones safe. This post shares ten practical behaviors that anyone can adopt to prevent fires and respond effectively if one occurs.

Keep Flammable Materials Away from Heat Sources

At home, many fires start because flammable items are too close to heat sources. Keep curtains, paper, and furniture at least three feet away from heaters, fireplaces, and stoves. Outdoors, store firewood and propane tanks away from your house and any open flames. This simple distance can stop a small spark from turning into a disaster.

Install and Maintain Smoke Alarms

Smoke alarms save lives by alerting you early to fire. Install alarms on every level of your home, especially near bedrooms. Test them monthly and replace batteries at least once a year. Replace the entire alarm every 10 years. Outdoors, consider alarms in enclosed patios or cabins where fire risk exists.

Practice Safe Cooking Habits

Cooking is a leading cause of home fires. Never leave cooking unattended, especially when frying or using high heat. Keep a lid nearby to smother small grease fires. Outdoors, use grills on stable surfaces away from structures and never leave them unattended. Clean grills regularly to prevent grease buildup.

Create and Practice an Escape Plan

Knowing how to exit your home quickly can save lives. Design a fire escape plan with at least two ways out of every room. Practice the plan with your family twice a year. For outdoor activities like camping, identify safe spots and routes to leave quickly if fire threatens.

Use Fire-Resistant Landscaping and Materials

Landscaping can help protect your home from wildfires. Use fire-resistant plants and keep grass trimmed short. Remove dead leaves and branches regularly. Build patios and decks with fire-resistant materials like stone or concrete. Outdoors, clear a 30-foot zone around your home free of flammable debris.

Handle Fireworks and Open Flames with Care

Fireworks and open flames cause many outdoor fires. Only use fireworks in safe, legal areas away from dry grass or trees. Keep water or a fire extinguisher nearby. When using candles or lanterns, place them on stable surfaces away from flammable items and never leave them unattended.

Store Flammable Liquids Safely

Gasoline, paint thinners, and other flammable liquids must be stored in approved containers in well-ventilated areas away from heat or sparks. Never store these inside your home or near ignition sources. Outdoors, keep them in locked sheds or garages designed for hazardous materials.

Maintain Electrical Safety

Faulty wiring and overloaded outlets cause many fires. Check cords for damage and replace frayed or cracked ones. Avoid running cords under rugs or furniture. Use surge protectors and never overload outlets. Outdoors, use only electrical equipment rated for outdoor use and keep connections dry.

Keep Fire Extinguishers Accessible and Know How to Use Them

Have at least one fire extinguisher on every level of your home and near cooking areas. Outdoors, keep a portable extinguisher or water source near fire pits or grills. Learn the PASS technique: Pull the pin, Aim low, Squeeze the handle, and Sweep side to side. Regularly check extinguisher pressure and condition.

Never Leave Fires Unattended

Whether it’s a candle, stove, grill, or campfire, never leave it unattended. Always fully extinguish fires before leaving the area or going to sleep. For campfires, drown the fire with water, stir ashes, and feel for heat to ensure it is completely out.