Fire Safety Tips and Reminders
We’ve asked our dedicated district fire professionals to contribute some key fire safety reminders that can help keep ourselves and our communities safe. Here is what they shared:
1. Working Smoke Alarms Save Lives
Every home should have smoke alarms on each level, inside every bedroom, and outside sleeping areas. They should be tested monthly, batteries replaced at least annually (if they aren’t the sealed type), and the units replaced every 10 years. A working smoke alarm can cut the risk of dying in a home fire by half.
2. Practice a Home Fire Escape Plan
Families should identify two ways out of every room and choose a safe meeting place outside. Practicing this plan twice a year, once in daylight and once at night, ensures everyone knows how to get out quickly, including children, older adults, and guests. In a fire emergency, seconds truly matter.
3. If Possible, Close Your Bedroom Door while Sleeping
Sleeping with bedroom doors closed can slow the spread of heat, smoke, and flames, buying critical time in an emergency. A simple closed door at night can be a life-saving barrier.
4. If a Fire Occurs, Get Out and Stay Out
Call the fire department immediately. Never go back inside for anything.
5. Report Any Fires Immediately
It is important to report any fires that occur, even if you believe that they have been extinguished.
These 5 actions are simple and proven to save lives. Using them in your home and sharing them with your neighbors can make a real difference.
Do You Need a Smoke Alarm?
Did you know that the Red Cross and its partners can test existing smoke alarms and install new ones for those that need them?
To have smoke alarms installed by the Red Cross in your home for free, fill out this form: Request a free smoke alarm in Massachusetts or call 1-800-564-1234 (Press 1, then press 3).
The American Red Cross provides free bed shaker alarms to individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing as part of its Home Fire Campaign. To learn more visit GetASmokeAlarm.org, or by call 800-RED-CROSS to request a home fire safety visit.
The City of Boston also provides free smoke alarms for seniors over 60. To learn more about this and other fire prevention programs and events, visit: Fire Prevention Education Unit | Boston.gov.
Grilling Fire Safety
Fire departments respond to hundreds of fires each year involving grills, hibachis and barbecues. Here are some grilling safety tips to keep in mind:
- Always grill outdoors.
- Grills must be 10 feet from the side of a building unless the manufacturer’s instructions say it can be closer. Make sure grills are not underneath overhanging branches.
- Grills cannot be used on a porch, balcony or deck with a roof, overhang or wall (other than the exterior of the building).
- Grills can only be used on open first floor porches, decks or patios if there is an outdoor stairway to the ground, or the porch is at ground level.
- Grills cannot be used on fire escapes.
- Place grills away from the house and deck railings.
- Keep all matches, lighters and lighter fluid away from children.
- Keep children and pets three feet away from grills. Children should never play near grills or propane cylinders.
Contact Information
Roland A. Weatherbee Fire Headquarters
299 Trapelo Rd
Belmont, MA 02478
617-993-2200
99 Main St
Watertown, MA 02472
617-972-6510
491 Broadway
Cambridge MA 02138
617.349.4900
Fire Operations
115 Southampton Street
Boston, MA 02118
617-343-3550
EMERGENCIES: CALL 911 ANYTIME