FIRE SAFETY

🔥 Home Fire Safety

Keeping your family and home safe from fire starts with prevention and preparation. The Jackson County Central Fire Department is committed to helping residents reduce the risk of fire, stay informed, and know what to do in an emergency. Follow these simple steps to make your home fire-safe.

🏠 Fire Prevention Tips

Check Your Smoke Alarms

Install smoke alarms in every bedroom, outside each sleeping area, and on every level of your home (including the basement).
Test alarms monthly.
Replace batteries once a year, or when you hear a low-battery chirp.
Replace smoke alarms every 10 years.

Cook Safely

Stay in the kitchen when you’re cooking—especially when using high heat.
Keep flammable items (towels, oven mitts, paper products) away from the stovetop.
Turn pot handles inward to prevent spills.
If a small grease fire starts, turn off the burner and cover the pan with a lid. Never use water.

Heat with Care

Keep anything that can burn at least 3 feet away from heating equipment like space heaters, fireplaces, and furnaces.
Have heating equipment and chimneys cleaned and inspected every year by a professional.
Turn off portable heaters when you leave the room or go to bed.

Electrical Safety

Replace worn, damaged, or frayed cords immediately.
Don’t overload outlets or power strips.
Use light bulbs with the correct wattage for your fixtures.
Have an electrician inspect your home if you notice flickering lights or frequently tripped breakers.

Be Candle and Smoking Smart

Blow out candles before leaving a room or going to sleep.
Use sturdy candle holders and keep them away from anything that can burn.
If you smoke, do it outside and use deep, sturdy ashtrays. Never smoke in bed.

🚒 Plan Ahead

Create and Practice a Home Escape Plan

Draw a floor plan showing two ways out of every room.
Decide on an outdoor meeting place (like a tree, mailbox, or light post).
Practice your escape plan twice a year with everyone in your home.
Teach children how to get out and stay out. Never go back inside once you’ve escaped.

Know Your Numbers

Call 911 for any fire or smoke emergency.
Make sure everyone knows how to call for help—even young children.

🔋 Extra Safety Steps

Install carbon monoxide (CO) alarms in central locations outside sleeping areas.
Keep a fire extinguisher in the kitchen and learn how to use it (remember P.A.S.S.: Pull, Aim, Squeeze, Sweep).
Store matches and lighters out of children’s reach.
Clear leaves, debris, and flammable materials from around your home and gutters.