Fire Prevention Tips for News Stories:
Manufactured Home Fire Prevention and Home Fire Safety

About 3,500 Americans die each year in fires and about 18,300 are injured. You can stop the fire before it starts. Use this fact sheet to learn how to prevent a fire in your home and know what to do if you have a fire.

Stop a manufactured home fire before it starts:

• Test smoke alarm batteries every month and change them once a year. Consider installing a 10-year lithium battery-powered smoke alarm, which is sealed so it cannot be opened.
• Maintain your home heating system by having it checked at least once a year by a professional.
• Do not store explosive or flammable items near heat sources.
• Never add too many plugs to outlets, extension cords or electrical circuits. If the circuit breaker trips or fuses blow, call a licensed electrician to check your system.
• Space heaters need space around them. Keep heaters at least three (3) feet away from drapes, clothing, or other combustible materials.
• Add skirting material to the outside of your home. The skirting helps to keep leaves and other garbage from blowing under your manufactured home where it could easily catch on fire and spread into your home.

Be prepared for a fire:

• If there is a fire, get out right away and stay out. Go to a neighbor’s home and call the emergency phone number in your area. In most areas the number is 911.
• One of the best ways to protect yourself and your family is to have a working smoke alarm that can sound fast for both a fire that has flames, and a smoky fire that has fumes without flames. It is called a "Dual Sensor Smoke Alarm." A smoke alarm greatly reduces your chances of dying in a fire.
• Prepare an escape plan and practice it twice a year.

To learn more on how you can prevent fires and fire deaths, please contact your local fire department's office phone number (not 911) or visit www.usfa.fema.gov.