Seattle Fire Department Offers Home Fire Prevention Tips; Free Smoke Alarms for Seniors

Bill Mace, Public Education Office, Seattle Fire Department

Seattle seniors may qualify for a free home smoke alarm installation. ___________________

Cooking fires and heating fires are the two most common types of home fires in Seattle and the U.S. Every year, fire departments across the country respond to over 100,000 cooking-related fires and approximately 50,000 heating-related fires. 

Fortunately, there are some easy steps people can take to remain safe from cooking and heating-related fires at home. Whether living independently or in a care facility, here are some basic actions you can take to make your home safer.

When cooking...

• Don't leave food unattended on the stove. The majority of cooking fires begin from food left unattended on the stove. If you must leave the kitchen, take a wooden spoon or potholder as a reminder. 
• Wear short or close-fitting sleeves and an apron to avoid catching clothes on fire.
• In case of a pot or pan fire, use a lid to smother the fire. Don't use flour or water to extinguish the fire.
• Clean the stove and toaster regularly to avoid grease and crumb buildup.

When heating your home...

• Give your heaters space - do not put anything next to a heater. Space heaters need 3 feet between them and anything combustible.
• Never use an extension cord with a portable heater. 
• Make sure your portable heater has an automatic shutoff feature to turn it off if it tips over.
• Turn portable heaters off before leaving the room or before going to bed.

Following these basic tips will help keep you safer from a fire at home. For questions or more information, contact the Seattle Fire Department's Public Education office at (206) 386-1337.

Free Smoke Alarms for Senior Homeowners in Seattle

The Seattle Fire Department will install free smoke alarms in your home if you are a senior citizen, own your home and live in the City of Seattle. If your smoke alarm is more than 10 years old, you may need to replace it.

To request your smoke alarms or for more information, contact the Seattle Fire Department's Public Education office at (206) 386-1337 or email fireinfo@seattle.gov. If you live outside the city of Seattle, check with your local Fire Department or Fire District to find out what programs are available in your area.

The Seattle Fire Department recommends the following:

• Install smoke alarms on every level of your home and in each bedroom.
• Replace your smoke alarm every ten years.  
• Change the battery in your smoke alarm if it "chirps," warning that the battery is low.
• Test and clean your smoke alarms each month.
• Prepare and practice an escape plan in case your smoke alarm detects a fire.