Fire Safety Information

Those most likely to die in home fires are children under five years old and adults over 65. The United States and Canada have the highest fire death rates of any industrialized countries.

Why? Our buildings are built to high standards and our fire departments are among the best in the world. The problem is people, and their lack of awareness about the importance of making fire safety a part of their everyday lives.

The following information on fire safety will be useful in the event of a fire or emergency in your home or property.

• Install and maintain smoke alarms(PDF, 44KB) in your dwelling. You should have one on each level and outside of each sleeping unit. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions when installing them.
• We encourage the use of carbon monoxide (C.O.) detectors in the home. (Frequently Asked Questions about Carbon Monoxide)(PDF, 148KB)
• Keep heating and cooking appliances clear of combustibles.
• Never leave cooking unattended and if you should have a grease fire, put a lid on it if you can safely do so. NEVER put water on a grease fire!!
• Never store flammable liquids and gases in the home or basement.
• Have a plan of escape in the event of a fire. Practice E.D.I.T.H.(PDF, 19KB) (Exit Drills In The Home)!
• Keep matches and lighters away from children!
• Activate the 911 system immediately. Delaying the call will only contribute to injury or further property damage. Get out alive!
• Make an inventory of your property for insurance purposes. If you are not a homeowner, you should check into insurance that will cover your personal property while renting or leasing.
• If you need the assistance of the Town of Manchester Fire Department for questions concerning fire safety / public education, the Connecticut State Fire Safety Code, fire investigation or fire prevention, call (860) 647-3267.

David Mauldin, Fire Marshal

FIRE SAFETY GAMES WITH SPARKY THE FIRE DOG

Smoke Alarms and Fire Escape Plans

• Working smoke alarms alert you to a fire and more than double your chances of surviving a fire. In a fire, minutes could mean the difference between life and death.
• Install smoke alarms in every home, on every level, outside each sleeping area and in each bedroom.
• Test and vacuum your smoke alarms each month to make sure they are working.
• Smoke alarms, which are ten years or older, need to be replaced with new units.
• When the smoke alarm sounds, get out fast. Have a pre-planned escape route and know two ways out of every room.
• Once you're out of the home, stay out!
• Practice your fire escape plan with your whole family at least twice a year.
  
  Click on pictures below for more life saving information.

   

  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

  Appliances & Electrical

  Click on Picture for Appliance and Electrical Fire Safety

  

  Handouts

  Clothes Dryer Fire Safety, English(PDF, 124KB)  - Spanish(PDF, 148KB)

  Be Fire Smart with Electricity in your home, English(PDF, 849KB) - Spanish(PDF, 868KB)

  Prevent Home Electrical Fires, English(PDF, 107KB) - Spanish(PDF, 127KB)

  Electrical & Appliance Fire Safety Card, English(PDF, 738KB)

   

  Basements & Garages

  Click on Picture for Basement and Garage Fire Safety

  

  Handouts

  Basement Fire Safety, English(PDF, 421KB) - Spanish(PDF, 505KB)

  Prevent Home Garage Fires, English(PDF, 281KB) - Spanish(PDF, 313KB)

   

  Batteries

  Click on picture for Battery Fire Safety

  

  

  Candles

  Click picture for Candle Fire Safety

  

  

  Cooking

  Click picture for Cooking Fire Safety

  

  Handouts

  Cooking Fire Safety, English(PDF, 412KB)

  Prevent Kitchen Fires, English(PDF, 138KB) - Spanish(PDF, 162KB)

  Cook Safely, English(PDF, 290KB)

  Heating

  Click picture for Heating Fire Safety

  

  Handouts

  Portable Heater Fire Safety, English(PDF, 367KB)

  Heating Your Home Safely, English(PDF, 126KB) - Spanish(PDF, 116KB)

  Heating Fire Safety, English(PDF, 126KB) - Spanish(PDF, 120KB)

  Heater Fire Safety Card, English(PDF, 1MB)

  Fireplace & Wood Stove Safety Card, English(PDF, 1MB)

  Holiday

  Click picture for Holiday Fire Safety

  

  Handouts

  Put a Freeze on Winter Holiday Fires, English(PDF, 2MB) - Spanish(PDF, 3MB)

  Winter Holiday Safety, English(PDF, 129KB) - Spanish(PDF, 117KB)

  Happy Holidays Safety & Your Tree Card, English(PDF, 3MB)

   

  Home Hazardous Materials

  Click picture for Home Hazardous Materials Fire Safety

  

  Handouts

  Keep Your Family Safe from Household Chemicals, English(PDF, 173KB) - Spanish(PDF, 167KB)

   

  Severe Weather

  Click picture for Severe Weather Fire Safety

  

  Handouts

  5 Steps to Portable Generator Safety, English(PDF, 2MB)

  Portable Generators & Winter Storms, English(PDF, 161KB) - Spanish(PDF, 156KB)

  Put a Freeze on Winter Fires, English(PDF, 168KB) - Spanish(PDF, 159KB)

  Put a Freeze on Winter Holiday Fires, English(PDF, 2MB) - Spanish(PDF, 3MB)