Greater Kansas City Chapter
Serving Missouri counties Platte, Clay, Jackson, Cass, Mercer, Grundy, Daviess, Livingston, Caldwell, Ray, Lafayette, Johnson, Bates, Henry and Benton and Johnson County, Kan.
Get Prepared
Fire Safety Tips
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Firefighters try to put out a house fire.
At the Greater Kansas City Chapter of the American Red Cross, we are diligent about preaching fire safety.
 
We’ve seen first hand how fires can destroy property and alter lives. Not only do we teach the basic prevention and preparation methods, such as smoke alarm installation, exit drills, stop, drop and roll and the crawl low technique, but for several months of the year, we spend Saturdays canvassing the neighborhoods of Kansas City, giving away free smoke alarms and batteries through our Cause for Alarm! program.
 
Because fires can start from a variety of sources, including cigarettes, space heaters, electrical appliances, cooking devices and matches, we’ve compiled a list of dos and don’ts to make fire safety easy in your home or office.
 
 
Install and Maintain Smoke Alarm
  • At least one smoke alarm should be on each level of your home.
  • At least one should be outside each sleeping area.
  • Test alarms once a month.
  • Clean any dust or cobwebs from the alarm monthly.
  • Batteries should be changed twice a year.
  • Replace your smoke alarm every 10 years.
 
Plan and Practice Exit Drills
  • Plan an escape route with two ways out of every room in case flames or smoke block one route.
  • Keep in mind any special provisions needed for infants, the elderly or the physically challenged.
  • Establish a place outside where everyone will gather after escaping the house.
 
Stop, Drop and Roll
  • If your clothing catches fire, stop wherever you are, drop to the floor or ground and roll over and over to smother the flames. Protect your face by covering it with your hands.
 
 
Crawl Low
  • Crawl low in smoke, moving on hands and knees (Smoke rises, so cleaner air is near the floor.)
 
 
Smokers Need Watchers
  • Make sure smokers extinguish cigarettes in deep sturdy ashtrays.
  • Check under sofa and chair cushions for cigarette butts before going to bed.
  • Never smoke in bed or when drowsy or medicated.
 
 

Space Heaters
  • Use portable heaters in well-ventilated rooms only.
  • Keep blankets, clothing, curtains, furniture and anything that could get hot and catch fire at least three feet away from all heat sources.
  • Keep small children away from heaters.
  • Turn heaters off when going to bed or when leaving home.

Practice Safety with Electricity
  • If an appliance gives off smoke or a burning odor, unplug it immediately and have it checked.
  • Replace frayed or broken cords.
  • Do not put extension cords under rugs or in other places where they may be stepped on or broken.

Careful Cooking
  • Pay complete attention when cooking.
  • Keep young children out of the way.
  • If grease catches fire, slide a lid over the pan to smother the fire and turn off the burner.
  • Never throw water or anything else onto a grease fire.
  • Turn pot handles inward so they can’t be accidentally tipped over.
 
 
A Match is a Tool
  • Matches and lighters are tools for adults.
  • Keep them up high, away from children, preferably in a locked cabinet.
  • Teach children to tell an adult right away if they find a match or see someone playing with fire, matches or lighters.
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