Official website of the
City of Vancouver, Washington

Fire Department

Safety & Prevention - Fire Safety At Home

Quick Home Safety Tips

Everyone is super busy, but you can't get too busy to be safe from the hazards of fire. Here are some quick reminders to keep you safe at home:

• Stay with your cooking projects - Unattended cooking continues to be Vancouver's #1 cause of fires. Don't leave food cooking on the stove unattended.
•  Install and/or check smoke alarms - Test smoke alarms monthly and replace batteries as required. Replace smoke alarms after 10 years of service. The VFD recommends a dual technology alarms that combine ionization and photoelectric sensors.
• Watch the load on electrical outlets -  Avoid using extension cords where they may be tripped over. Never walk on cords, or lay them under a rug. 
• Stay in the room with burning candles - Use candles only in fire-safe containers well away from combustibles. Don't leave children or pets alone with lit candles. Keep matches and lighters out of the reach of children.
• Inspect fireplaces and wood stoves - Have your chimney and flue inspected annually and cleaned if necessary. Use a fire screen when burning fires. Don't burn paper, gift wrapping, or pine boughs. Don't hang holiday decorations near the fire when it is in use.
• Keep fire extinguishers handy - Small home fires may be controlled by a fire extinguisher. Learn the PASS (Pull, Aim, Squeeze, Spray) system for using it. Never attempt to extinguish a large fire, or allow the fire to get between you and your exit. Call 911 and leave it to the professionals.
• Consider installing an automatic fire sprinkler system in your home - Statistics from the National Fire Protection Association show that use of automated fire sprinkler systems typically reduces the chance of dying in a fire as well as property loss by one-half to two-thirds.
• Be aware of urban wildfire dangers - Create and maintain a 15- to 30-foot clear or green space around your home that is free from combustible items such as firewood, trees, brush and dry leaves. Remove items that could give a spreading fire a "ladder" to your home by pruning tree branches, and cleaning and clearning. Use fire-resistant or non-combustible materails on roof and exterior surfaces; plant fire-resistant shrubs and trees.

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