Fire Safety Tips for Families

Why Fire Safety Should Be a Priority for Every Family

A fire is one of the most frightening and destructive events that can happen to a family. It puts not only our homes but our very lives at risk. What’s even more alarming is how common it really is—fire departments across the U.S. respond to a home fire every 88 seconds.

That stat alone should make us all stop and think: Am I prepared? Is my family protected?

In this post, I’ll walk you through practical steps to reduce the risk of a fire in your home and how to prepare your loved ones to respond if the worst happens.

The Truth About Fire: It Spreads Faster Than You Think

Thanks to Hollywood, many of us have a dangerous misconception: that fires are slow, and we’ll have plenty of time to react. In real life, fire can move faster than you can run, fueled by toxic smoke and extreme heat.

Don’t expect a heroic moment—expect chaos.

Fire Starts in the Kitchen: Stay Alert and Smart

The #1 cause of house fires in America is unattended cooking. I get it—we’ve all walked away from the stove to do something else. But that moment of distraction can change everything. Here are a few quick tips:

• Always stay in the kitchen while cooking.

• Get your kids involved so you can supervise them and the stove.

• Never store anything on the stove top—especially cardboard or plastic.

Recently, I saw security footage of a dog jumping onto a stove top. Unfortunately, someone had stacked Amazon boxes there. The result? Flames. Fast. Thankfully, the damage was minor, and everyone was okay—but it was a wake-up call.

Smoke Detectors Save Lives—If They Work

Smoke alarms are your first line of defense, especially at night. Make sure you have:

• Smoke detectors in the kitchen, hallways, bedrooms, attic, and basement.

• Working batteries (test them monthly!).

• A plan for small children who may not wake up to the alarm.

A study out of the UK found that 80% of children ages 2–13 don’t wake up to a smoke alarm. That means you need a plan to physically retrieve your kids in case of a fire at night.

Create—and Practice—Your Family Fire Escape Plan

Every family needs a fire escape plan. Not just a mental idea, but a real, written, practiced plan. Here’s what to include:

• Know every exit: front door, back door, windows.

• Assign responsibilities: who grabs the baby? Who helps Grandma?

• Designate a backup in case someone isn’t home.

• Pick a safe meeting spot: maybe a neighbor’s mailbox or porch.

Don’t just talk about it—practice your escape plan twice a year. It can be as simple as yelling “Fire drill!” and seeing how fast your family responds.

Equip Your Home with Fire-Fighting Tools

Here are the must-haves for every home:

1. Fire Extinguishers

Have at least two—one in the kitchen and another near the bedrooms. And learn the PASS method:

P: Pull the pin

A: Aim low

S: Squeeze the lever slowly

S: Sweep side to side

2. Fire Blankets

Perfect for grease and stove top fires, fire blankets are inexpensive and easy to use. I keep a few in my home, especially in the kitchen.

3. Escape Ladders

If you live in a multi-story home, you need fire escape ladders. Keep one in your room and one in your children’s rooms—especially if you’ll need to go in and get them during a fire.

The Bottom Line: Plan Ahead, Stay Ready

Fire is unpredictable, fast, and unforgiving. But with preparation, you can protect your family and your home. Here’s what to remember:

• Stay alert in the kitchen.

• Keep working smoke detectors throughout your home.

• Build and practice a fire escape plan.

• Equip your home with extinguishers, blankets, and ladders.

Your actions today could save lives tomorrow.

Want More on Fire Safety?

For a deeper (and more entertaining) look at fire safety, check out my interview Jason Patton of Fire Department Chronicles on The Secure Dad Podcast. It’s informative, a little bit hilarious, and packed with practical tips for keeping your family safe.