Home fire safety

Once a smoke alarm sounds, you may have less than 2 minutes to get everyone out of a burning home. Two things save lives: working smoke alarms, and a plan everyone in the home has practiced.

Be ready to get out

• Smoke alarmsWhere to put them, testing them each month and replacing them every 10 years.
• Your home fire escape planTwo ways out of every room, a meeting place, and practice.
• Fire extinguishersWhen to use one, how (P.A.S.S.), and when to just get out.

Prevent the most common home fires

• Cooking firesBy far the leading cause of home fires. Stand by your pan.
• Heating firesThe second leading cause. Space heaters, wood stoves and chimneys.
• Electrical and appliance firesExtension cords, outlets and dryer lint.
• Lithium-ion batteriesPhones, laptops, e-bikes and tools: charging and warning signs.
• Candles12 inches from anything that burns, and out before bed.

Sources

• Less than 2 minutes to get out once the smoke alarm sounds: U.S. Fire Administration, Smoke alarms (page last reviewed October 13, 2026).
• Cooking the leading cause of home fires: U.S. Fire Administration, Cooking fire safety (reviewed September 28, 2026). Heating the second leading cause in 2021: U.S. Fire Administration, Heating fire safety (reviewed May 4, 2023).