Important Safety Tips from Sun City Fire & Medical

Fire Safety in the Home

 How to Protect Yourself and Your Loved Ones

By Kenny Kovac, Fire Marshal Sun City Fire District

SUN CITY/ YOUNGTOWN—After two devastating house fires claimed lives in our community last month, Sun City Fire and Medical (SCFMD) is urging residents to take precautions to prevent future tragedies. Fires can spread rapidly, leaving little time to react, so being prepared can make all the difference.

Preventing Fires in the Home

The best way to stay safe is to prevent a fire from occurring in the first place. Here are some key steps to take:

• Check Smoke Alarms: Install smoke alarms in every bedroom, outside sleeping areas, and on every level of your home. Test them monthly and replace batteries yearly.

• Avoid Overloading Circuits: Do not plug too many appliances into one outlet. Faulty wiring and overloaded outlets are common fire hazards.

• Be Cautious in the Kitchen: Never leave cooking food unattended and keep flammable materials away from the stove.

• Use Heaters Safely: Keep space heaters at least three feet away from anything that can burn and never leave them running while asleep or out of the house.

• Store Flammable Items Properly: Keep matches, lighters, and flammable liquids in a secure place, away from children.

What to Do If a Fire Breaks Out

If a fire does occur, every second counts. Here’s what to do to stay safe:

• Get Out Immediately: Do not try to retrieve belongings. Leave the house as quickly as possible.

• Stay Low to Avoid Smoke: Smoke rises, so crawl on the floor to avoid inhaling toxic fumes.

• Check Doors for Heat: Before opening a door, feel it with the back of your hand. If it’s hot, use an alternate exit.

• Use a Fire Escape Plan: Have a plan in place with two exit routes from every room and practice it regularly with your family.

• Don’t Go Back Inside: Once out, stay out. Call 911 and let firefighters handle the situation.

Community Call to Action

SCFMD emphasizes the importance of preparedness: “These recent tragedies highlight how crucial fire safety measures are. We urge all residents to take proactive steps to protect their families.”

SCFMD offers free smoke alarm checks and will conduct fire safety workshops in the coming weeks. Residents are encouraged to participate and ensure their homes are as safe as possible. For more information on fire safety resources, visit www.scfmd.az.gov or call SCFMD 623-974-2321.