Fire Prevention Tips

Fire safety is everyone’s responsibility. By taking proactive measures, you can significantly reduce the risk of fire in your home, workplace, and community. The Riverton Volunteer Fire Department (RVFD) is committed to providing you with essential tips to help prevent fires and ensure the safety of your family and property.

General Fire Safety

• Install Smoke Alarms: Ensure smoke alarms are installed on every level of your home, inside bedrooms, and outside sleeping areas. Test alarms monthly and replace batteries at least once a year.
• Plan and Practice an Escape Plan: Develop a home fire escape plan with at least two exits for each room, and practice it with all household members. Designate a meeting place outside and ensure everyone knows how to get there.
• Keep Fire Extinguishers Handy: Place fire extinguishers in accessible locations, such as the kitchen and garage, and ensure that all household members know how to use them. Regularly check that extinguishers are fully charged.
• Maintain Electrical Safety: Avoid overloading electrical outlets, and regularly inspect cords for wear or damage. Replace frayed or cracked cords immediately.
• Space Heater Precautions: Keep space heaters at least three feet away from flammable materials, such as curtains or furniture. Always turn off space heaters when leaving the room or going to sleep.

Kitchen Safety

• Stay Alert While Cooking: Never leave cooking food unattended, especially when using oil or grease. If a grease fire occurs, cover the pan with a lid and turn off the burner. Never use water to extinguish a grease fire.
• Keep the Stove Area Clear: Remove items like dishtowels, paper towels, or wooden utensils from around the stove, as they can easily catch fire.
• Install a Fire Suppression System: Consider installing a fire suppression system in the kitchen, especially in homes with large or commercial-style appliances.

Outdoor Fire Safety

• Grill Safely: Always keep grills at least 10 feet away from the home, deck railings, and overhanging branches. Never leave a lit grill unattended.
• Clear Debris: Keep your yard free of leaves, branches, and other flammable debris. Trim trees and shrubs regularly to reduce fire hazards.
• Use Fire Pits Responsibly: Place fire pits away from structures and flammable materials. Always supervise children and pets when a fire pit is in use, and ensure the fire is completely extinguished before leaving the area.

Holiday Fire Safety

• Christmas Trees: If using a real tree, keep it well-watered, as dry trees are highly flammable. Ensure that lights are rated for indoor use and inspect them for frayed wires before hanging. Always turn off tree lights when leaving the house or going to bed.
• Candles: Use flameless, battery-operated candles when possible. If using real candles, place them on stable surfaces and away from flammable materials. Always extinguish candles when leaving a room or before going to sleep.

Wildfire Safety

• Create Defensible Space: Maintain a defensible space of at least 30 feet around your home by removing dead vegetation, dry leaves, and debris. Trim trees and bushes to prevent fire from spreading to structures.
• Prepare Your Home: Use fire-resistant materials for roofing, siding, and decks. Seal any gaps or cracks where embers could enter your home.
• Stay Informed: Pay attention to fire weather conditions and any warnings or evacuation notices. Have an emergency bag ready, and know multiple evacuation routes.

Fire Prevention for Businesses

• Maintain Fire Alarms and Sprinklers: Ensure that all fire alarms, sprinkler systems, and emergency exits are regularly inspected and up to code. Employees should be trained on how to operate fire extinguishers and follow evacuation plans.
• Store Flammable Materials Safely: Keep flammable chemicals and materials in proper containers and store them away from heat sources.
• Electrical and Heating Safety: Conduct routine inspections of electrical wiring and heating systems to identify and resolve any fire hazards before they become serious issues.

By taking these simple but essential precautions, you can greatly reduce the risk of fire and protect the people and property that matter most. For more information on fire prevention , please contact the Riverton Volunteer Fire Department at 307-856-8248 or email us at secretary@rivertonfire.com.