Courtesy of the San Diego Fire-Rescue Department, the risk of a fire in your home can be greatly reduced by following simple fire prevention rules.
Provide Smokers with Large, Deep Ashtrays
- Wet cigarette butts and ashes before emptying ashtrays into a wastebasket.
- Never smoke when you are lying down, drowsy, or in bed.
Give Space Heaters Space
- Keep them at least three feet away from anything that can burn, including you.
- Unplug heaters when you shut them off, leave home, or go to bed.
Be Kitchen Wise
- Wear tight-fitting or rolled-up sleeves when cooking.
- Use oven mitts to handle hot pans.
- Never leave cooking unattended.
- If a pan of food catches fire, slide a lid over it and turn off the burner.
- Don’t cook if you are drowsy from alcohol or medication.
Stop, Drop, and Roll
- If your clothing catches on fire: Stop (don’t run), drop gently to the ground, cover your face with your hands and roll over and over to smother the flames.
- If you cannot do that, smother the flames with a towel or blanket.
- Immerse burns in cool water for 10 to 15 minutes.
- If burns are severe, get medical help immediately.
Smoke Alarms Save Lives
- Have smoke alarms installed outside all sleeping areas and on every level of your home.
- Test your smoke alarms once a month by pushing the test button.
- Replace the smoke alarm battery twice a year. When you change the clock, change the smoke alarm battery.
- Make sure everyone in your home can hear your smoke alarms.
Plan and Practice Your Escape from Fire
- Know two ways out of every room in your home.
- Make sure windows and doors open easily.
- In a fire, get out and stay out.
Know Your Local Emergency Number
- Remember the number for emergencies is 9-1-1.
- Once you’ve escaped a fire, call the fire department from a cell phone or neighbor’s phone.
Plan Your Escape Around Your Abilities
- Have a telephone in your bedroom to call 9-1-1 in case you are trapped by fire.
Download the Fire Safety Tip Sheet on the City’s website at https://www.sandiego.gov/fire/safety/tips/fallfireprev#fires
In a fire, medical, police or any other emergency, call 9-1-1.
To access Squad 56, the Rapid Response Team, call 9-1-1.
