FIRE PREVENTION & SAFETY

Home & Residential

Protecting lives, property, and our community starts with prevention. The following information is designed to help residents reduce fire risks at home and be prepared for emergencies year-round.


NEED FIRE PREVENTION HELP?

The Fire Prevention Division is here to help keep our community safe.  Contact us for:

  • Smoke Alarm Assistance
  • Home Safety Information
  • Fire Safety Education
  • Questions about Fire Prevention requirements

Fire prevention and safety information for residential homes in Delaware County, Ohio from the Tri-Township Joint Fire District fire department.

SMOKE & CARBON MONOXIDE (CO) ALARMS

WHY THEY MATTER

Smoke alarms and CO alarms provide early warning, giving occupants valuable time to escape. Working alarms cut the risk of dying in a home fire by more than half.

Smoke Alarm Placement

  • Install smoke alarms inside every bedroom
  • Install smoke alarms outside sleeping areas
  • Install at least one smoke alarm on every level of the home, including basements
  • Mount alarms on the ceiling or high on the wall

CO Alarm Placement

  • Install CO alarms outside sleeping areas
  • Install on every level of the home
  • Place alarms near, but not inside, fuel-burning appliance rooms

Testing & Maintenance

  • Test alarms monthly
  • Test alarms after changing batteries or power outages
  • Keep alarms clean and free of dust

Replacement

  • Replace smoke alarms every 10 years
  • Replace CO alarms according to manufacturer recommendations (typically 5-10 years)
  • Replace batteries at least once a year, unless the alarm has a sealed 10-year battery

COOKING FIRE SAFETY

WHY COOKING FIRE SAFETY IS IMPORTANT

Cooking is the leading cause of home firesin our community.

Safe Cooking Tips

  • Stay in the kitchen when cooking on the stovetop
  • Keep flammable items away from cooking surfaces
  • Turn pot handles inward
  • Keep children and pets away from cooking areas

If A Cooking Fire Starts

  • Never use water on a grease fire
  • Turn off the heat if safe to do so
  • Cover the pan with a lid or use baking soda
  • If the fire spreads, get out and call 911

HEATING & ELECTRICAL SAFETY

Heating Safety

  • Keep all heating equipment at least 3 feet from combustibles
  • Have furnaces, fireplaces, and chimneys inspected annually
  • Never use oven or grills to heat your home
  • Turn off portable heaters when leaving the room or going to bed

Electrical Safety

  • Do not overload outlets or power strips
  • Replace damaged cords immediately
  • Use extension cords only for temporary use
  • Have electrical work completed by qualified professionals

CANDLE & SMOKING SAFETY

Candle Safety

  • Use battery-operated candles when possible
  • Keep candles away from curtains, furniture, and bedding
  • Never leave burning candles unattended
  • Extinguish candles before leaving the room or going to sleep

Smoking Safety

  • Smoke outside whenever possible
  • Use deep, sturdy ashtrays
  • Never smoke in bed or when tired or impaired
  • Fully extinguish smoking materials before disposal

LITHIUM-ION BATTERY SAFETY

Lithium-ion batteries are found in e-bikes, power tools, toys, phones, and other devices.

Safe Use & Charging

  • Only use manufacturer-approved chargers
  • Charge batteries on non-combustible surfaces
  • Do not charge overnight or while unattended
  • Keep batteries away from heat sources

Storage & Damage

  • Store batteries in cool, dry locations
  • Stop using batteries that show swelling, leaking, or damage
  • Never throw lithium-ion batteries in household trash

SEASONAL SAFETY

Winter Heating Safety

  • Keep space heaters 3 feet from combustibles
  • Clear snow and ice from vents and exhaust pipes
  • Test smoke and CO alarms more frequently
  • Have fireplaces and chimneys cleaned and inspected

Holiday Decoration Safety

  • Use flame-resistant decorations
  • Keep live trees watered and away from heat sources
  • Turn off holiday lights when leaving the home
  • Use only UL-listed lighting and extension cords

Summer Grilling Safety

  • Grill outdoors only, away from structures
  • Never grill in garages or on balconies
  • Clean grills regularly to remove grease buildup
  • Keep a fire extinguisher nearby

SEVERE WEATHER PREPAREDNESS

Be Prepared

  • Have a family emergency plan
  • Know multiple ways out of your home
  • Prepare an emergency kit with essentials

During Severe Weather

  • Follow local emergency alerts
  • Seek shelter as directed
  • Avoid downed power lines and flooded areas