Fires

Learn the sound of fire


Fire Prevention Week is October 3-9, 2021!

This year’s FPW campaign, “Learn the Sounds of Fire Safety!” works to educate everyone about the different sounds the smoke and carbon monoxide alarms make. Knowing what to do when an alarm sounds will keep you and your family safe. When an alarm makes noises – a beeping sound or a chirping sound – you must take action. 

What if someone in my home is deaf or hard of hearing?
There are smoke alarms and alert devices that alert people who are deaf or hard of hearing. These devices include strobe lights that flash to alert people when the smoke alarm sounds. Pillow or bed shakers designed to work with your smoke alarm also can be purchased and installed. 

House fires

In just two minutes a fire can become life-threatening. In five minutes, a residence can, be engulfed in flames. In the event of a fire, remember that every second counts. Make sure that you and your family plan and prepare to keep yourselves and your home safe. 

House fire saftey tips

  • Install smoke alarms one very level of your home, inside bedrooms and outside sleeping areas. 
  • Test smoke alarms every month. If they're not working change the batteries.
  • Sleep with the doors closed. It slows the spread of the fire.
  • If a door feels hot, do not open it. 
  • Talk with all family members about a fire escape plan and practice the plan twice a year. 
  • If you can see smoke in the house, stay low to the ground as you make your way to the exit. 
  • If there is a fire in your home, get out, stay out, and call for help. Never go back inside for anything or anyone. 
  • Keep one or more working fire extinguishers in your home and know how to use them.
  • Teach children what smoke alarms sound like and what to do when they hear one. 
  • Keep matches and lighters safely out of reach of children. 
  • Teach household members what to do in case of a fire.
  • Stop drop and roll if their clothes catch on fire. 
  • Never leave something cooking on the stove unattended and keep cooking area free of anything flammable. 
  • Check electrical wires in your home and replace it if it appears to be damaged. 

wild fires

Wildfires are An uncontrolled fire in grasslands, brush lands, or forested area. Contrary to popular belief, lightning strikes are not the primary cause of wildfires in Michigan. Today, only about two percent of all wildfires in Michigan are caused by lightning strikes: the rest are caused by human activity such as outdoor burning, which is the leading cause of wildfires in Michigan. Most Michigan wildfires occur close to where people live and recreate, which puts both people and property at risk. The immediate danger from wild fires is the destruction of property, timber, wildlife, and injury or loss of life to persons who live in the affected area or who are using recreational facilities in the area. 


Wildfire tips

  • Create a fire-resistant zone that is clear of leaves, debris or flammable material away from your home.
  • Use fire-resistant materials to build, renovate, or make prepares. 
  • Find an outdoor water source with a hose.
  • Pay attention to air quality alerts.
  • Listen for emergency information and alerts.
  • Make an Emergency plan.
  • Use an N95 mask to keep particles out of the air you breathe. 
  • Know your evacuation routes and evacuate immediately if authorities tell you to do so!
  • If trapped, call 911.


Additional Resources