Call 911

The most important thing to remember if you are involved in a fire or think there might be danger of fire is to call 911. The sooner you do this the less likely there will be damage or death.

Create an Escape Plan

Whether you live in an apartment, one-story home or three-story home, you need to establish an escape plan for all members of your family/household. Designate a safe "meeting place" outside your home in case their is a fire, and try to establish at least two exits out of each room. Escape plans should be practiced twice a year - during the day and night.

Install Smoke Alarms

Smoke alarms save lives - it's a proven fact. Smoke alarms should be installed on every level of your home, in every bedroom or around each sleeping area. Test alarms on a monthly basis by pushing the test button. Batteries should be changed twice a year (usually at Daylight Saving Time). The City of Derby has a free smoke detector program.

Children and Fire

Children playing with fire cause hundreds of deaths and thousands of injuries each year. Preschoolers are most likely to start fires, typically by playing with matches. Here are several tips to remember:

• Store matches and lighters out of children's reach and sight, up high, preferably in a locked cabinet.
• Never use lighters or matches as a source of amusement for children; they may imitate you.
• If your child expresses curiosity about fire or has been playing with fire, calmly but firmly explain that matches and lighters are tools for adults only.
• Use only lighters designed with child-resistant features. Remember child-resistant does not mean child proof.
• Teach young children to tell an adult if they see matches or lighters, and teach school-age children to bring any matches or lighters to an adult.
• Never leave matches or lighters in a bedroom or any place where children may go without supervision.