U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government

Dot gov

Official websites use .gov
A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.

Https

Secure .gov websites use HTTPS
A lock ( ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

alert - warning

Ready.gov is being updated to comply with President Trump's Executive Orders. Thank you for your patience and understanding.

fire fighters work to put out a house fire.

Home Fires

Words to Know

Am I at Risk?

Learn About Fire

What Can I Do?

Learn More

Words to Know

Escape Plan - An escape plan is a drawing of the inside of your house that creates a map of all the rooms, doors and windows. Having and practicing an escape plan is important because you may only have minutes to get to safety and the smoke from a fire can make it difficult to see where you’re going.

Smoke Alarm - A smoke alarm is an important safety device that detects smoke and alerts you to danger. They may produce a loud beeping, a bright flashing light, or both.

911 - 911 is a special phone number you can call in an emergency. By calling 911, you can talk to someone who will be able to send help. When you call 911, they will need to know what is happening. They will also ask for your name, phone number and address. It’s important to only call 911 when there’s an emergency.

Am I at Risk

feature_mini img

Everyone is at risk from house fires. They can happen anywhere at any time. That’s why it’s so important to know what to do to stay safe.

Learn About Home Fires

A hand holding a phone calling 911.

A fire in your home can happen for many reasons but cooking is the leading cause. In the event of a home fire, every second counts. That’s why it’s important to understand how to prevent home fires and what to do if one happens.

Talk with a grown up about how and when to call 911. 911 is a phone number you can call if there’s an emergency. Because the emergency operators need to know where you live, it’s important to memorize your home address and phone number.

About Fire

  • Fire is fast! A small flame can become big quickly. It only takes a few minutes for smoke to fill your house.
  • Fire is hot! The temperature in a fire can be very hot.
  • Fire is dark! When a fire starts, it is bright. But the smoke will make a room very dark. You may not be able to see.
  • Fire is deadly! Smoke is poisonous and can hurt you

What Can I Do?

Before

A father holding a stop watch, running a fire drill as mother and son run toward the safety spot.
  • Install smoke alarms. Smoke alarms should be inside and outside each bedroom and sleeping area. Put alarms on every level of the home. If you do not have a smoke alarm, reach out to your local fire department – they may provide smoke alarms for free.
  • Your family should create a fire escape plan. A fire escape plan is a drawing of your home including doorways and windows. The plan should find two ways you can get out of every room. Make sure your plan includes an outside meeting place in front of your home.
  • Practice your home fire drill with everyone in the home.
  • Never touch matches, lighters or candles. If you find matches or lighters, tell an adult.
  • Stay safe in the kitchen by staying 3 feet away from the stove or oven. Don’t put anything that can burn on or near the stove.

During a fire

A child crawls on the ground toward an exit, to escape smoke during a fire

  • If you see or smell smoke, or see a fire make sure you tell a grown up right away.
  • In a fire, stay low and get to your exit if you smell or see smoke or if your smoke alarm sounds.
  • Before you open a door, feel it. If it is hot, use your other exit.
  • If you live in an apartment building, leave your apartment. Close the door behind you. Pull the fire alarm on your way out to notify the fire department and your neighbors.
  • If you are somewhere with an escalator, use the stairs to get out. Do not use the elevator unless the fire department tells you it’s safe.
  • Call 911 once you are outside.
  • Stay outside. Don't go back inside for anything.
  • If pets are trapped inside your home, tell firefighters right away.

After a Fire

  • Do not go back inside your home unless the fire department says it is safe.
  • If you have pets, find and comfort them. Scared animals may bite or scratch you, so it’s important to handle them carefully. Keeping your pets out of the house until the cleanup is complete will keep them healthy and safe.

Learn More

Last Updated: 03/21/2025

Return to top