Be Fire Safe PA
The Pennsylvania Office of the State Fire Commissioner (OSFC) provides important year-round and seasonal fire prevention information to help Pennsylvanians stay safe and healthy.
Explore the below information to Be Fire Safe PA!
Spring Season Fire Prevention and Safety
The arrival of spring brings with it warmer temperatures and the opportunity to be more fire safe at home. As you plan your spring cleaning, it’s important to also address fire hazards and take additional safety precautions.
Remove Fire Hazards Inside Your Home
- Test your home’s smoke and carbon monoxide alarms.
- Discontinue the use of any electrical appliances with frayed cords, and make sure they are not extended under rugs or other flammable materials.
- Water often leaks into homes during the winter months; it is a good idea to check for water around electrical appliances as well.
- Take a moment to inspect the lint trap and exhaust duct of the clothes dryer for debris.
Take Safety Precautions Outside Your Home
- Remove dead leaves and other flammable debris from around foundations and from under decks, porches or stairs.
- Outdoor work areas such as garages and tool sheds should be kept organized, and flammable materials should be stored in fire-rated containers away from children
- Grills should be checked for rust, insects, spiders, grease and other debris before use.
- Worn gas hoses should be replaced.
- Never grill indoors, in a garage, breezeway or carport. Grills should only be used 10 feet away from your house or any building.
Additional Spring Fire Prevention Resources
Explore these resources for more spring-related fire safety tips:
General Fire Safety Quick Facts
- Smoking has been the leading cause of home fire deaths for decades
- Cooking is the leading case of home fires and the second leading cause of home fire deaths
- Three out of every five home fire deaths resulted from fires in homes without a functional smoke alarm
- Older adults are among the likeliest victims to die in home fires
- Sprinklers have been shown to lower the fire death rate by 81 percent
Smoke Alarm Safety
Smoke alarms are widely available and affordable. However, there are some years that Pennsylvania leads the nation in fire-related deaths.
Smoke alarms save lives; it's just that simple.
At least one of these life-saving devices should be installed on each floor of your home. To reduce false alarms, a smoke alarm should be installed at least ten feet away from the kitchen.
Additionally, they should be tested monthly and batteries changed every six months. Learn more
smoke alarm safety tips.
Home Escape Planning
Your entire family should be involved in making and practicing a home escape plan. It is important for all family members to be able to recognize two ways out of each room, such as windows and doors.
Choose an outside meeting place, like a neighbor's house, a street light or a mailbox.
Emergency numbers should be saved in cell phones or memorized. Alert the authorities once you are safely outside.
Recovery After a House Fire
It is always important to listen to your local authorities following a major event like a house fire.
Never try to re-enter a fire-damaged home until it has been declared safe to do so.
Taking care of your family often starts with reaching out to your local disaster relief service. This may include organizations like the American Red Cross or Salvation Army. They can help you find food, clothing, shelter, and medical treatment.
If you have pets, they are likely scared. Handle them carefully and calmly. Try to leave your pets with a family member, friend, or veterinarian if you are visiting or cleaning your damaged home. Additional information about making special emergency preparations for your pets is available from the
Pennsylvania State Animal Response Team.
Now is the time to contact your insurance company. Ask them what your next steps should be, and about the immediate needs of your home.