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1. Be kitchen wise.

• Wear tight-fitting or short sleeves when cooking.
• Use oven mitts to handle hot pots and pans.
• Never leave cooking unattended. If a pan of food catches fire, slide a lid over it and turn off the burner.
• Don't cook if you are drowsy.

2. Give space heaters space.

Keep them at least 3 feet (1 meter) from anything that can burn, such as curtains, magazines, newspapers, furniture, clothing and yourself! Turn the heater off and unplug all heaters when you leave your home, leave the room or go to bed.

3. If you smoke, smoke outside.

• Provide smokers with large, deep ashtrays.
• Wet cigarette butts and ashes before throwing them out or bury them in sand.
• Never smoke in bed or when you are sleepy or under the influence of alcohol, medications or other intoxicants.

4. Install smoke alarms.

• Have smoke alarms installed outside each sleeping area and on every level of your home.
• Have someone test your alarms monthly by pushing the test button.
• Make sure everyone in your home can hear the smoke alarms.
• If someone has a hearing impairment, there are special alarms.

Email the McKinney Fire Department or call 972-547-2893 for more information.

5. Know your local emergency number.

Once you have escaped from a fire, call 911 from a neighbor’s phone or from a cellular phone. Never go back into a burning building.

6. Plan and practice your escape from fire.

• If possible, know two ways out of every room in your home.
• Make sure windows and doors open easily.
• In the event of a fire, get out and stay out.
• Dial 911 from a safe location away from your home.

7. Plan your escape around your abilities.

Have a telephone in your bedroom so that you can dial 911 in case you become trapped by smoke or fire.

8. Stop, drop, cover your face and roll.

If your clothing catches fire:

1. Stop (don’t run) and drop gently to the ground.
2. Cover your face with your hands.
3. Roll over and over or back and forth until the fire is out.
4. Use cool water for 3 to 5 minutes to cool the burn.
5. Get medical help right away.
6. If you are unable to seek medical help, dial 911.