More than 3,500 Americans die each year in fires and approximately 25,000 are injured. Many of them might be alive today if they had only had the information they needed to avoid a disaster. The U.S. Fire Administration offers the following life-saving tips that could make a big difference for you and your community.
Please click on the following links to follow simple fire safety tips that can increase your survival rate dramatically.
Alternative Heater Safety Appliance Fire Safety
Careless Smoking Children & Fire
Cooking Fires Fire Escape Planning
Holiday Fire Safety Manufactured Home Safety
Portable Generator Safety Prevent Bedroom Fires
Rural Fire Safety Seniors & Fire
Smoke Alarms Winter Fires
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Alternative Heater Safety
Life-Saving Tips
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Install a smoke alarm on every level of your home. Test smoke alarm batteries every month and change them at least once a year. Consider installing a one-year lithium battery-powered smoke alarm, which is sealed so it cannot be tampered with or opened. If you cannot afford a fire alarm, the Peru Fire Department will provide you with one free of charge.
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Kerosene heaters are not permitted in many areas. If you use a kerosene heater, use only the recommended fuel. Always refuel outdoors safely away from your home.
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Allow your heater to cool before refueling and only refuel outdoors.
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Keep the fire in the fireplace by making sure you have a screen large enough to catch flying sparks and rolling logs.
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Clean your chimney regularly - chimney tar build-up can ignite your chimney, roof and the whole house.
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Space heaters need space. Keep combustibles at least three feet away from each heater.
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When buying a space heater, look for a control feature that automatically shuts off the power if the heater falls over.
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Carefully follow manufacturer's installation and maintenance instructions.
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For wood stove fuel use only seasoned wood, not green wood, artificial logs or trash.
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In case of fire, stay low to the ground, beneath the smoke and have an escape plan already worked out. Get out, stay out.
Appliance Fire Safety
Life-Saving Tips
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Place a smoke alarm on every level of your home and outside bedrooms. If you keep your bedroom doors closed, place a smoke alarm in each bedroom.
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Regularly inspect your extension cords for fraying and never use an extension cord as permanent wiring.
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Instead of a simple extension cord, get a UL-approved unit with built-in circuit breakers.
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Routinely check your wiring. Look for outlets that don't work, light switches that are hot to the touch and lights that flicker.
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Never overload outlets or extension cords.
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Immediately repair appliances or lamps that sputter or spark.
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Keep appliances away from wet areas, especially in the kitchen, bathroom, basement and garage.
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If an appliance has a three-prong plug, never force it into a two-slot outlet or extension cord.
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Don't let children play near electrical space heaters. Keep clothes, curtains and other flammable items at least three feet away from heaters.
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Prepare and practice a home fire escape plan.
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In case of fire, crawl or stay low to the ground, beneath the smoke.
Careless Smoking
Life-Saving Tips
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Install a smoke alarm on every level of your home. Test smoke alarm batteries every month and change them at least once a year. Consider installing a one-year lithium battery-powered smoke alarm, which is sealed so it cannot be tampered with or opened. If you cannot afford a fire alarm, the Peru Fire Department will provide you with one free of charge.
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Never smoke in bed. Replace mattresses made prior to the 1973 Federal Mattress Flammability Standard.
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Don't put ashtrays on the arms of sofas or chairs.
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Use deep ashtrays and soak ashes in water before disposal.
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Don't leave cigarettes, cigars or pipes unattended. Put out all smoking materials before you walk away.
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If you begin to feel drowsy while watching television or reading, extinguish your cigarette or cigar.
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Close a matchbook before striking and hold it away from your body. Set your lighter on "low" flame.
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If smokers have visited, be sure to check the floor and around chair cushions for ashes that may have dropped accidentally.
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Develop and practice a fire escape plan. In case of a fire, stay low to the ground, beneath the smoke. Get out. Stay out.
Children & Fire
Life-Saving Tips
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Install a smoke alarm on every level of your home. Test smoke alarm batteries every month and change them at least once a year. Consider installing a one-year lithium battery-powered smoke alarm, which is sealed so it cannot be tampered with or opened. If you cannot afford a fire alarm, the Peru Fire Department will provide you with one free of charge.
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Keep matches, lighters and other ignitables in a secured drawer or cabinet out of the reach of children.
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Teach your children to tell you when they find matches and lighters.
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Always dress children in pajamas that meet federal flammability standards. Avoid dressing children for sleep in loose-fitting, 100% cotton garments, such as oversized T-shirts.
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Teach children not to hide from firefighters, but to get out quickly and call for help from another location.
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Show children how to crawl low on the floor, below the smoke, to get out of the house and stay away.
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Demonstrate how to stop, drop to the ground and roll if clothes catch fire.
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Develop and practice a home fire escape plan and designate a meeting place outside. Get out and stay out.
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Familiarize children with the sound of your smoke alarm.
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Replace mattresses made prior to the 1973 Federal Mattress Flammability Standard.
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Check under beds and in closets for burnt matches, evidence your child may be playing with fire.
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For more fire safety information for young children, visit www.usfaparents.gov.
Cooking Fires
Life-Saving Tips
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Install a smoke alarm on every level of your home. Test smoke alarm batteries every month and change them at least once a year. Consider installing a one-year lithium battery-powered smoke alarm, which is sealed so it cannot be tampered with or opened. If you cannot afford a fire alarm, the Peru Fire Department will provide you with one free of charge.
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Never leave cooking unattended. A serious fire can start in just seconds.
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Always wear short or tight-fitting sleeves when cooking.
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Keep towels, pot holders and curtains away from flames and heating elements.
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Clean cooking surfaces regularly to prevent grease buildup which can ignite.
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If a fire breaks out while cooking, put a lid on the pan to smother it. Never throw water on a grease fire.
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Heat oil gradually to avoid burns from spattering grease. Use extra caution when preparing deep-fried foods.
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Never use the range or oven to heat your home.
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Double-check the kitchen before you go to bed or leave the house. Make sure all small appliances are turned off.
Fire Escape Planning
Life-Saving Tips
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Install a smoke alarm on every level of your home. Test smoke alarm batteries every month and change them at least once a year. Consider installing a 1-year lithium battery-powered smoke alarm, which is sealed so it cannot be tampered with or opened.
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Know your local emergency numbers. In most areas the number is 911.
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Practice finding your way out of the house with your eyes closed, crawling or staying low and feeling your way out of the house.
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Never open doors that are hot to the touch.
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Teach your family to stop, drop to the ground and roll if their clothes catch fire.
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Designate a meeting place outside and take attendance. Get out and stay out.
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Remember to escape first, then notify the fire department.
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Make sure everyone in your family knows at least two ways to escape from each room in the house.
Holiday Fire Safety
Life-Saving Tips
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Install a smoke alarm on every level of your home. Test smoke alarm batteries every month and change them at least once a year. Consider installing a one-year lithium battery-powered smoke alarm, which is sealed so it cannot be tampered with or opened. If you cannot afford a fire alarm, the Peru Fire Department will provide you with one free of charge.
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Do not place your tree close to a heat source, including fireplace or heat vent. The heat will dry out the tree and cause it to more easily ignite by heat, flame or sparks.
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Never put holiday tree branches or needles in a fireplace or woodburning stove.
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When the tree becomes dry, discard it promptly. The best way to dispose of your tree is to take it to a recycling center or have it collected by a community pick-up service.
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Inspect holiday lights each year for frayed wire, bare spots, gaps in the insulation, broken or cracked sockets and excessive kinking or wear.
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Only use UL approved lighting.
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Do not overload outlets. Connect strings of lights to an extension cord before plugging the cord into the outlet.
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Do not leave lit holiday lights unattended.
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Avoid using lit candles. If you do use them, make sure they are in stable holders and place them where they cannot be easily knocked over.
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Never leave the house with candles burning.
Manufactured Home Safety
Life-Saving Tips
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Have a minimum of two smoke alarms installed in your home regardless of sleeping space arrangements.
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Test smoke alarm batteries every month and change them at least once a year. Consider installing a 1-year lithium battery-powered smoke alarm, which is sealed so it cannot be tampered with or opened.
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Maintain your home heating system by having it serviced at least once a year by a professional.
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Do not store combustibles or flammables near heat sources.
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Never overload outlets, extension cords or electrical circuits. If the circuit breaker trips or fuses blow, call a licensed electrician to check your system.
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Develop and practice a home fire escape plan with your family.
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If there is a fire, get out immediately and stay out. Go to a neighbor's home and call the emergency phone number in your area. In most areas the number is 911.
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Space heaters need their space. Keep heaters at least three feet away from drapes, clothing or other combustible materials.
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Install skirting material to keep leaves and other debris and combustible items from blowing under your manufactured home.
Portable Generator Safety
Life-Saving Tips
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Always use generators outdoors, away from doors, windows and vents. NEVER use generators inside homes, garages, basements, crawl spaces or other enclosed or partially enclosed areas, even with ventilation.
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Follow the manufacturer's instructions for use.
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Install battery-operated or plug-in (with battery backup) carbon monoxide alarms in your home, following the manufacturer's instructions.
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Test CO detectors often and replace batteries when needed.
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Keep the generator dry. Use on a dry surface under an open, canopy like structure.
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Dry your hands before touching the generator.
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Plug appliances directly into the generator or use a heavy-duty outdoor-rated extension cord. Make sure the entire extension cord is free of cuts or tears and the plug has all 3 prongs, especially a grounding pin.
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NEVER plug the generator into a wall outlet (known as back-feeding). This practice can cause an electrocution risk to utility workers and others served by the same utility transformer.
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If you must connect a generator to house wiring, have a qualified electrician install appropriate equipment. Your utility company may be able to install an appropriate transfer switch as well.
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Before refueling the generator, turn it off and let it cool. Fuel spilled on hot engine parts could ignite.
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Always store fuel outside of living areas in properly labeled, non-glass containers.
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Store fuel away from any fuel-burning appliances.
Prevent Bedroom Fires
Life-Saving Tips
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Install a smoke alarm on every level of your home. Test smoke alarm batteries every month and change them at least once a year. Consider installing a one-year lithium battery-powered smoke alarm, which is sealed so it cannot be tampered with or opened. If you cannot afford a fire alarm, the Peru Fire Department will provide you with one free of charge.
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Never smoke in bed.
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Replace mattresses made prior to the 1973 Federal Mattress Flammability Standard.
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Keep lighters, matches and other ignitables in a secured drawer or cabinet out of reach of children. Children are one of the highest risk groups for death in residential fires.
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Keep lit candles away from bedding, curtains, papers and anything else that can ignite easily.
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Do not run electrical cords under your bed or trap them against a wall where heat can build up. Avoid overloading extension cords.
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Take extra care when using portable heaters. Keep bedding, clothes, curtains and other flammable items at least three feet away from space heaters.
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Only use lab-approved electric blankets and warmers. Check to make sure the cords are not frayed.
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Make sure everyone in your family knows at least two escape routes from their bedrooms and practice these often.
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In case of a fire, stay low to the ground beneath the smoke, and have an escape plan already worked out. Get out, stay out.
Rural Fire Safety
Life-Saving Tips
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Install a smoke alarm on every level of your home. Test smoke alarm batteries every month and change them at least once a year. Consider installing a 1-year lithium battery-powered smoke alarm, which is sealed so it cannot be tampered with or opened.
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When building a home or addition, use fire-resistant roofing materials. Avoid using wood materials that offer the least fire protection. Also use fire-resistant siding such as stucco, brick, stone, etc.
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Let your landscape defend your property. Create defensible space by thinning trees and brush within 30 feet of your home.
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Stack firewood at least 30 feet away from your home and other structures.
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Store flammable materials, liquids and solvents in metal containers outside the home, at least 30 feet away from structures and wood fences.
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Burning yard waste is a fire hazard. Please call the Peru Fire Department at 472-2410 for burning restrictions.
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Have your chimney inspected and cleaned regularly by a certified specialist.
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Provide emergency vehicle access with properly constructed driveways and roadways, at least 12 feet wide with adequate turnaround space.
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Post home address signs that are clearly visible from the road.
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Develop and practice fire escape and evacuation plans with your family.
Seniors & Fire
Life-Saving Tips
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Install a smoke alarm on every level of your home. Test smoke alarm batteries every month and change them at least once a year. Consider installing a one-year lithium battery-powered smoke alarm, which is sealed so it cannot be tampered with or opened. If you cannot afford a fire alarm, the Peru Fire Department will provide you with one free of charge.
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The kitchen is a high danger zone for fire, so be extra cautious when cooking. Remember not to leave cooking food unattended and don't wear loose clothing when cooking.
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Never use the range or oven to heat your home.
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Double-check the kitchen to be sure the oven and all small appliances are turned off before going to bed or leaving the house.
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Never smoke in bed. Replace mattresses made prior to the 1973 Federal Mattress Flammability Standard.
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Keep flammable materials, such as drapes and clothing at least three feet away from your heater.
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Don't overload electrical outlets.
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Develop and practice a home fire escape plan.
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In case of a fire, crawl or stay low to the ground, beneath the smoke. Get out. Stay out.
Smoke Alarms
Life-Saving Tips
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Place a smoke alarm on every level of your home and outside bedrooms. If you keep your bedroom doors closed, place a smoke alarm in each bedroom.
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Check smoke alarms monthly by pushing the test button. If you cannot reach the button easily, use a broom handle.
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Change the batteries in your alarms at least once a year.
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Teach children what the smoke alarm sounds like and what to do - leave the building immediately by crawling low under the smoke - when they hear the sound.
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If cooking smoke sets off the alarm, do not disable it. Turn on the range fan, open a window or wave a towel near the alarm.
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Do not remove the batteries to put in other appliances such as personal stereos or games.
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Smoke alarms wear out over time. Replace yours if it is 10 years old or more.
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Consider installing a 1-year lithium battery-powered smoke alarm, which is sealed so it cannot be tampered with or opened.
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Hard wired smoke alarms with battery back-ups need to be tested monthly and batteries replaced yearly.
Winter Fires
Life-Saving Tips
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Install a smoke alarm on every level of your home. Test smoke alarm batteries every month and change them at least once a year. Consider installing a one-year lithium battery-powered smoke alarm, which is sealed so it cannot be tampered with or opened. If you cannot afford a fire alarm, the Peru Fire Department will provide you with one free of charge.
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Make sure wood stoves are properly installed, away from combustible surfaces, have the proper floor support and adequate ventilation. Never use flammable liquids (such as gasoline) to start or accelerate fire.
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Make sure your space heaters have an emergency shut off in case they tip over. Kerosene heaters are not permitted in many areas. ONLY use the fuel recommended by the manufacturer. Never refill a space heater while it is operating or still hot. Refuel outside, away from the house.
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Have your furnace and chimney professionally inspected annually and cleaned if necessary. Chimney tar build-up is a common cause of chimney fires.
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Use a glass or metal screen in front of your fireplace to prevent sparks from igniting nearby carpets or furniture.
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Never thaw frozen pipes with a blow torch or other open flame. Use hot water or a UL listed device such as a hand held dryer.
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Dispose of hot ashes in covered metal containers placed away from the house.
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Never use the range or oven to heat your home.
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If there is a fire hydrant near your home, keep it clear of snow for easy access.
Fire
Safety
Peru Fire Station
85 W. Canal Street
Peru, IN 46970
Phone: 765-472-2410
Email me.
Administrative Hours:
Mon-Friday
9am-4pm
