Fire Prevention Month: Every second matters

The Minneapolis Fire Department is encouraging residents, community members, and businesses to learn ways to prevent fires, review safety tips, and refresh fire safety plans during Fire Prevention Month in October.

In a fire, every second counts. Just a few seconds can determine whether you escape safely or face tragedy.

"I've seen too many tragedies where a simple fire safety plan could have saved lives. Spending just a few minutes to review your fire escape plan or talk about fire prevention with your children can make all the difference during an emergency," said Chief Bryan Tyner, Minneapolis Fire Chief. "Fire Prevention Month is an ideal time to prioritize fire safety. Take proactive steps today to protect your loved ones now and for years to come."

Charge into fire safety

While every aspect of fire safety is important, this year's fire prevention theme focuses on lithium-ion batteries, which are commonly found in phones, tools, laptops, and more.

The "Charge into Fire Safety" campaign stresses the importance of buying, charging, and recycling lithium-ion batteries safely.

• Buy only listed products: Do your research on products. Look for a stamp from a nationally recognized testing lab on the packaging and product. This shows it meets the necessary safety standards.

• Charge devices safely: Always follow charging instructions from the manufacturer and don't overcharge your device. Never charge a device under a pillow, on a bed, or on a couch - this could cause a fire.
• Recycle batteries responsibly: Don't throw lithium-ion batteries in the trash or regular recycling bins, as they could cause a fire. A safe battery recycling location is the best way to dispose of them. Find a recycling center near you

Home fire prevention

Fire Prevention Month and Week are about more than just batteries. It's an opportunity to revisit all the basics about fire safety.

The best way to stop a fire is to learn how to prevent it. In your home:

• Make a fire safety plan: Everyone should develop a fire safety plan in their home or workplace.
  • Designate a safe meeting spot outside your home
  • Ensure everyone in the household knows the escape routes

• Check smoke detectors: Smoke detectors should be installed in every bedroom, outside each sleeping area, and on every level of the home - including the basement. They should be tested regularly and replaced every 10 years.

• Install a carbon monoxide detector: Carbon monoxide detectors should be installed near each sleeping area.
• Keep hydrants unobstructed: Always keep the area around fire hydrants clear.
• • With winter coming, make sure to shovel around them so firefighters can access them whenever needed.
  • Don't park in front of a hydrant. Blocking them can delay water access for firefighters responding to a fire emergency.

• Cooking safety: Cooking fires are the leading cause of home fires and fire injuries.
• • Stay in the kitchen when you are cooking. If you leave the kitchen for even a short period, turn off the stove.
  • Keep children away from cooking areas by enforcing a "kid-free zone" of 3 feet around the stove.
  • Barbecue grills should be at least 10 feet away from siding and deck railings, and out from under eaves and overhanging branches.
  • Learn more about preventing cooking fires
• Heater safety in your home: As the weather gets colder, heating equipment is one of the leading causes of home fires.
• • Keep space heaters at least 3 feet from anything that can burn.
  • Plug heaters directly into the wall, not into extension cords.
  • Have your furnace, chimney, and vents inspected before the winter season.
  • Watch our video about heating safety

Fall fire safety reminders

• Keep an eye on candles and décor: With the holiday season approaching, here are a few reminders to keep your celebrations safe.
• • Never leave a burning candle unattended.
  • Keep candles at least 12 inches away from anything flammable.
  • Consider flameless candles for decoration.
  • Make sure holiday lights and extension cords are in good condition.
• Enjoy fall bonfires safely: Cool fall nights are perfect for gathering around a fire - but remember to keep your backyard bonfires safe and legal.
• • Fires in Minneapolis must be under 3 feet wide and 2 feet high, kept 25 feet from buildings, and surrounded by a nonflammable barrier.
  • Recreational fires are only allowed between 9 a.m. and 10 p.m.
  • Only use natural cut wood - never trash - and always supervise your fire.
  • Skip fires on windy days and when smoke blows directly at a neighbor's house. Remember to be kind - don't burn if your neighbor has health issues.
  • Burn only when wind speeds are less than 10 mph and do not burn during air pollution advisory days.
  • Watch our video on safety tips for your next bonfire
  • Find more tips and resources about recreational fires

Additional resources

• Visit the Fire Department for more information about fire safety.