October Is Fire Prevention Month

Pleasant Valley Fire District reminds you: Fire prevention starts at home!

A few simple precautions can help protect your family, your home, and your loved ones from the devastating effects of fire. This October, take time to review these important fire safety tips.

🚨 SMOKE & CARBON MONOXIDE ALARMS

Install smoke alarms on every level of your home, inside every bedroom, and outside sleeping areas.

Test alarms monthly and replace smoke alarms according to the manufacturer's instructions, generally every 10 years.

Make sure everyone in your household knows what the alarms sound like.

🍳 KITCHEN & COOKING SAFETY

Never leave cooking unattended.

Turn pot handles toward the back of the stove.

Keep flammable items away from cooking surfaces.

NEVER USE WATER ON A GREASE FIRE! If it is safe to do so, turn off the heat and cover the pan with a metal lid. If the fire cannot be safely controlled, get out and call 911.

🔋 ELECTRICAL & BATTERY SAFETY

Charge phones, laptops, e-bikes, and power tools on a hard, flat surface away from anything that can burn.

Use manufacturer-approved chargers.

Stop using batteries that are swollen, damaged, unusually hot, or making unusual sounds.

Never overload outlets or connect power strips together.

🔥 SPACE HEATERS & HOME HEATING

Keep space heaters, candles, and other heat sources at least 3 FEET AWAY from anything that can burn.

Plug portable space heaters directly into a wall outlet.

Turn portable heaters off when leaving the room or going to bed.

Have heating equipment inspected and maintained as recommended.

🏠 MAKE A HOME FIRE ESCAPE PLAN

Identify two ways out of every room whenever possible.

Choose an outdoor meeting place a safe distance from your home.

Practice your escape plan with the entire family at least twice a year.

If there is smoke, stay low as you escape.

Close doors behind you when escaping, if possible, and never re-enter a burning building.

❤️ A FEW MINUTES OF PREPARATION CAN SAVE LIVES!

Use Fire Prevention Month as a reminder to check your alarms, review your escape plan, and make sure everyone in your family knows what to do in an emergency.

For additional fire safety information, visit the National Fire Protection Association at NFPA.org.

🚒 Pleasant Valley Fire District
Your safety is our priority — 24/7/365.