Home Fire Safety Guide

What Every Family Needs to Know — Plain Language from Verdara

House fires are one of the most preventable home disasters — yet thousands of families are affected every year. The good news is that a few simple steps can dramatically reduce your risk. This guide covers the basics in plain, everyday language. No technical jargon. Just what you need to know to keep your family safer.

1. Fire Extinguishers — Your First Line of Defense

A fire extinguisher can stop a small fire before it becomes a disaster. Most house fires start small — in the kitchen, garage, or near electrical outlets. Having the right extinguisher nearby and knowing how to use it is one of the most important things you can do.

What type do I need?

•        Class ABC extinguisher — this is what most homes need. It covers ordinary fires (wood, paper), flammable liquids (grease, oil), and electrical fires.

•        Fire Extinguisher Blanket — great for smothering small grease or grill fires quickly and safely. Reusable and easy to store in the kitchen.

Where should I put them?

•        Kitchen — the #1 spot for home fires

•        Garage — especially if you store fuel or use power tools

•        Each floor of your home — within easy reach

How do I use a fire extinguisher? Remember PASS:

1.     PULL the pin

2.     AIM at the base of the fire — not the flames

3.     SQUEEZE the handle slowly and evenly

4.     SWEEP from side to side

Important: If the fire is larger than a wastebasket, do not try to fight it. Get everyone out and call 911.

How often should I replace or check it?

•        Check the pressure gauge monthly — needle should be in the green zone

•        Replace every 5 to 12 years depending on the manufacturer's recommendation

•        Replace immediately after any use, even partial

2. Smoke Alarms — Do Not Skip This

•        Install a smoke alarm on every level of your home and inside every bedroom

•        Test alarms monthly by pressing the test button

•        Replace batteries every year — or get a 10-year sealed battery alarm

•        Replace the entire unit every 10 years

3. Kitchen Fire Safety

Cooking is the leading cause of home fires. These simple habits make a big difference:

•        Never leave cooking unattended on the stove

•        Keep towels, paper, and curtains away from the stove

•        If a pan catches fire, slide a lid over it and turn off the heat — do not move the pan

•        Never use water on a grease fire — use a fire blanket or Class ABC extinguisher

•        Keep your oven and stovetop clean — grease buildup is a fire hazard

4. Have an Escape Plan

•        Draw a simple map of your home and identify two ways out of every room

•        Pick a meeting spot outside — a mailbox, neighbor's driveway, or street corner

•        Practice your escape plan with your family — especially with children

•        If there is smoke, stay low and crawl to the exit

•        Once you are out, stay out — never go back in for belongings

5. Quick Home Fire Safety Checklist

•        Fire extinguisher in the kitchen — checked and in date

•        Fire blanket stored near the stove or grill

•        Smoke alarms on every level and in every bedroom

•        Batteries replaced in the last 12 months

•        Family escape plan practiced in the last year

•        Dryer lint trap cleaned after every load

•        Space heaters kept 3 feet from anything flammable