Practical fire-safety information to help prevent fires, prepare your household, and respond safely when seconds matter.
Explore practical information for some of the most common fire and life-safety concerns around the home.
Working smoke and carbon monoxide alarms provide critical early warning and give occupants more time to react and evacuate.
Make alarm testing part of your routine and address any alarm that does not operate properly.
Alarm requirements may vary based on the property, layout, age, and applicable inspection requirements.
Smoke / CO certification and inspection information is available through the Bureau of Fire Prevention.
A home fire can develop quickly. Everyone in the household should know how to get out, where to meet, and what to do once outside.
Identify more than one way out when possible.
Choose a safe meeting place outside the home.
Make sure children understand the escape plan.
Practice the plan so everyone knows what to do.
Once outside, stay outside and call 911.
Cooking fires can develop quickly. Staying nearby, reducing clutter around heat sources, and knowing how to react can help prevent a small incident from becoming a major fire.
Get everyone out, close doors behind you when possible, and call 911 from a safe location.
Keep combustible materials away from heating equipment and avoid using damaged or improperly operating appliances.
Damaged wiring, overloaded circuits, and improper extension-cord use can create serious fire hazards.
Grills, fire pits, portable generators, and other outdoor equipment can create fire and carbon monoxide hazards when improperly located or used.
Keep grills and open flames away from combustible materials.
Never operate generators inside a home, garage, or enclosed space.
Maintain supervision whenever an outdoor fire is burning.
Contact the Bureau of Fire Prevention when unsure whether a permit or specific requirement applies.
Changes in weather, holidays, and seasonal activities introduce different fire risks throughout the year.
Pay close attention to portable heaters, fireplaces, candles, decorations, and electrical loads.
Keep outdoor areas clear of unnecessary combustible material and safely maintain equipment used around the property.
Use grills, fire pits, and outdoor cooking equipment carefully and away from structures and combustible materials.
Inspect heating equipment and review smoke and carbon monoxide protection before colder weather arrives.
Every household is different. Fire-safety planning should account for anyone who may need additional time, assistance, or support during an emergency.
Teach children what smoke alarms sound like, how to leave the home, and where the family meeting place is located.
Consider mobility, hearing, medication, and other factors that may affect evacuation or emergency response.
Build evacuation plans around mobility, sensory, or other access needs and identify assistance before an emergency occurs.
If you discover a fire or your alarms activate and you believe there may be an emergency, leave the building and call 911 from a safe location.
For inspections, permits, certifications, or questions about local requirements, contact the Bureau of Fire Prevention. Community programs and outreach opportunities are available through the District's Community Resources page.