Prevention/Solution

• The very first step to fire safety is to prevent fires from occurring. In outdoor settings adults are advised to ensure that dropped cigarette butts are stomped out and that campfires are drenched in water to prevent smoldering ashes from igniting nearby objects. Indoor prevention advises that stoves and ovens never be left on when not in use and especially when no one is home. Hair blow dryers should not be pointed at flammable objects and curling and straightening irons, as well as clothing irons, should never be left on.
  
  

Preparedness

• Firefighters stress to children the importance of being prepared should a fire occur. Being prepared can both prevent fires and ensure that children and adults know how to safely react to a fire and extinguish the fire, in cases of cooking fires, or get to safety outside of the home. Being prepared means having both knowledge learned ahead of time, and also equipment.
  
  

Safety Equipment

• Each home should be equipped with at least one fire extinguisher; businesses must have fire extinguishers placed within so many feet of another per regulations of the fire safety code. Keeping a fire extinguisher near stoves and fireplaces is a very safety-conscious idea for homeowners. Homeowners should also place fire alarms in each room of their house and test the batteries once a month, as well as replace the batteries every six months. Another safety tip for homeowners is to keep a box of baking soda close to the kitchen stove to use in putting out grease fires; water should never be used on grease as it only fuels the fire.
  
  

Escape Plan

• As soon as children are old enough to understand the concept they should be taught what to do should a fire occur. An escape plan should be discussed with the child should a fire occur while they are sleeping. The family should designate a meeting area at least 100 feet from the home.
  
  

Precautions

• Children and adults should be aware of the "Stop, Drop and Roll" method of extinguishing a fire if flames should ignite on the body or clothing. Additionally all should be warned to crawl on their knees to escape a house in order to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning, and advised to test doors for heat before trying to escape in case a fire should be behind the door.