• Never smoke while using home oxygen.
• Avoid smoking in bed or when drowsy.
• Make sure cigarettes are fully extinguished.

• Follow all guidelines on our Open Burning page.
• Keep fires at least 25 feet from structures.
• Never leave a fire unattended.
• Keep water or an extinguisher nearby.

Cooking is the leading cause of home fires and injuries in the U.S. Unattended cooking is the leading cause of kitchen fires.

• Stay in the kitchen when frying, grilling or broiling.
• Turn off the stove if you leave - even for a short time.
• Watch for overheating - smoke or grease buildup can ignite.
• Keep pot handles turned inward to prevent spills.
• Keep a lid nearby to smother small grease fires.
• Never use water on a grease fire.

Older adults face a higher risk of fire-related injury and death - nearly 2.5 times greater than the general population.

For Older Adults:

• Make sure you have a clear, accessible escape plan. Here’s a helpful template to create one.
• Ensure doorways and exits accommodate walkers or wheelchairs.
• Consider smoke alarms with strobe lights or bed shakers if hearing is limited.
• Keep a phone, glasses and medications within reach at night.

For Caregivers & Family Members:

• Test smoke alarms regularly if your loved one cannot.
• Review and practice a home fire escape plan together.
• Never allow smoking near medical oxygen.
• Use timers or reminders while cooking to prevent unattended fires.

House fires resulting from heating material within the home ranks second for the most deaths and property loss. Chimney fires are the number one cause of home heating fires and are typically the result of a poorly maintained chimney where creosote builds up. To prevent chimney fires, have your chimney cleaned and inspected annually.

Ensure you always use a screen to catch sparks and allow ashes to cool fully before disposing in a metal container.

Space heaters are usually involved in 25 percent of home heating fires, accounting for 74 percent of deaths. Keep space heaters three feet from flammable items. Plug heaters directly into the wall and never an extension cord. Make sure to turn heaters off when you leave a room or go to bed.

It’s best to leave fireworks to the professionals. If you plan to light legal fireworks, keep a bucket of water or hose nearby in case of an accident. Fireworks can quickly turn dangerous if not handled properly.

Follow these safety tips:

• Always follow manufacturer instructions.
• Only use fireworks outdoors in a clear, open area.
• Keep a safe distance from people, homes and dry materials.
• Never allow children to handle fireworks.
• Never point or throw fireworks at anyone.
• Keep water (hose or bucket) nearby.
• Never relight a malfunctioning firework.
• Soak used fireworks in water before disposal.