Fire Safety for Kids

Children playing with fire cause hundreds of deaths and thousands of injuries each year. Preschoolers are most likely to start these fires, typically by playing with matches and lighters, and are most likely to die in these fires. It's important to teach children early about the dangers of playing with fire and what to do when a fire starts. Check out these resources:

 

Electrical Safety at Home

Home electrical fires account for an estimated 51,000 fires each year, nearly 500 deaths, more than 1,400 injuries, and $1.3 billion in property damage. Be sure to replace or repair damaged electrical cords, avoid running extension cords across doors or under carpets and do not overload outlets or circuits. 

   

Smoke Alarms

Smoke alarms play a vital role in reducing deaths and injuries from fire and have contributed to the almost 50% decrease in fire deaths since the late 1970s. It is estimated that 95% of U.S homes have at least one smoke alarm. Sixty-five percent of reported home fire deaths occurred in homes with no smoke alarms or no working smoke alarms. Properly installed and maintained smoke alarms save lives and protect against injury and loss due to fire.

    • Insure your home is adequately protected by smoke detectors
    • Make sure your detector(s) work, test often and replace batteries twice a year
    • Replace your detectors at least every ten years
    • If you need a smoke detector and cannot afford one, call PCFD at 440-392-5852

  

Cooking Safety

Cooking fires are the #1 cause of home fires and home fire injuries. Most cooking equipment fires start with the ignition of common household items (e.g., food or grease, cabinets, wall coverings, paper or plastic bags, curtains, etc.)

    • Never leave cooking food unattended
    • Keep cooking areas clear of combustible materials (pot holders, paper, drapes, food packaging, etc)
    • Keep children away from cooking areas 
    • Do not wear loose fitting clothes
    • Always keep an oven mitt and a properly fitting lid handy, if there is a fire turn off the heat, put on the oven mitt and smother the fire with the lid.  Do not remove the lid until the fire is out
    • Do not put water on a grease fire as it will only serve to spread the fire
    • In the event of an oven fire; turn the heat off, leave the door closed and call the fire department
    • Cooking Safety Checklist
    • Cooking Fires Fact Sheet