Fire Safety Tips for Home and Work

October is Fire Prevention Month

A fire can double in size every 30 seconds and engulf a building in a matter of minutes. If you’re not prepared, a small fire can quickly become a big disaster.

As part of Fire Prevention Month, here are some safety tips to help keep you safe.

Smart Charging

Follow these guidelines to reduce fire risks when charging devices:


Use the original cord and charger, or one approved by the manufacturer.	Always charge on a hard, flat surface—never on a bed, couch or pillow.	Don’t use a device if it feels overly hot, starts to swell or begins to smoke.	Unplug the device when it’s fully charged so you don’t overheat the battery.	Charge large items like e-bikes and electric scooters outside if possible.

At Home


Install smoke alarms on every level of your home and inside bedrooms.	Test the alarms monthly and replace the batteries at least once a year.	Stay in the kitchen while cooking to keep an eye on the oven and stove.	Create a fire escape plan and practice it so everyone knows the drill.	Buy a fire extinguisher or fire blanket and learn how to use them.

At Work


Always report fire hazards like frayed electrical cords and overloaded outlets.	Never leave portable heaters unattended or close to anything that can ignite.	Avoid the elevator during a fire; it can malfunction or quickly fill with smoke.	Know where the fire exits and stairways are throughout your office building.	Take part in your company’s safety training sessions and evacuation drills.

No matter where you—at home, in an office or any other workplace—if you can’t safely put out the fire yourself, call 911 and get everyone out of the building.

Download a PDF of fire safety tips.

High-Tech Fire Safety Training Tools

Download one of our reports to learn more about fire safety in the workplace. Each paper explores fire extinguisher training and regulatory requirements—plus modern training tools that can help keep people safe.

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