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Fire Prevention & Safety
Fire Prevention and Preparedness for Everyday Risk Reduction
Fires can spread quickly, sometimes in just minutes. Heat, smoke, and toxic gases can make it difficult to escape, even before flames fully spread. Preparation, early warning, and everyday awareness play an important role in reducing fire risk and improving response at home. Residents are encouraged to take practical steps that support safer environments.
Common Causes of Home Fires
Understanding how fires most often start can help households focus prevention efforts where they matter most.
- Candles are more likely to cause fires during holidays such as Christmas and New Year’s.
- Cooking equipment is the leading cause of home fires and fire-related injuries, especially when left unattended.
- Electrical equipment, including outlets and cords, is involved in thousands of house fires each year.
- Heating equipment is a common cause of fires during colder months.
Learn More About Heating Safety Now - Lithium-ion batteries and charging devices can pose a fire risk when damaged, improperly charged, or used with non-approved chargers.
- Smoking materials remain a leading cause of deaths from home fires nationwide.
Steps That Can Reduce Fire Risk
Many home fires are preventable. Small, consistent actions can make a meaningful difference for households across Pitt County.
- Check smoke alarms: Test alarms monthly and replace batteries at least once a year. Install alarms on every level of the home and near sleeping areas.
Learn More About Smoke Alarms Now - Install carbon monoxide detectors: Carbon monoxide is odorless and invisible. Detectors can alert you to unsafe levels before symptoms occur.
- Keep a fire extinguisher: Have at least one extinguisher in the home, ensure it is charged, and review basic use instructions.
- Practice a home escape plan: Identify two ways out of each room and choose an outdoor meeting place. Practice during both daytime and nighttime hours.
- Use cooking and heating equipment carefully: Stay nearby when cooking and keep space heaters at least three feet from anything that can burn.
- Handle electrical items with care: Avoid overloading outlets, replace damaged cords, and use extension cords only as a short-term solution.
- Teach children fire safety: Make sure children know how and when to call 911 and understand basic fire response steps.
- Know what to do if clothing catches fire: Stop, drop, cover your face, and roll to help reduce injury.
Through preparation, awareness, and routine safety checks, residents can reduce fire risk and improve readiness.
What to Do in the Event of a Fire
If a fire starts, quick and calm actions can help reduce injury and confusion. Residents are encouraged to follow these general steps if it is safe to do so.
- Get out right away: Leave the building as soon as you hear a smoke alarm or see fire or heavy smoke. Do not try to gather belongings.
- Stay low in smoke: If smoke is present, crawl low to the floor where the air may be clearer.
- Use a planned escape route: Follow your fire escape plan and use stairs, not elevators.
- Check doors before opening: Feel the door with the back of your hand. If it is hot, use another way out if available.
- Close doors behind you: Closing doors as you leave can help slow the spread of fire and smoke.
- Go to your meeting place: Meet at your pre-planned outdoor location so everyone can be accounted for.
- Call 911 once outside: Call from a safe location. Do not go back inside for people, pets, or belongings.
- If clothing catches fire: Stop, drop, cover your face, and roll until the flames are out.
Practicing these steps ahead of time can help households respond more effectively during an fire related emergency.
Bringing Fire Safety Education Into Our Community
The Pitt County Fire Marshal’s Office is committed to promoting fire safety and prevention year-round through community awareness campaigns, educational programs, and public events. These efforts cover important topics such as:
- Proper use of portable fire extinguishers
- Home fire safety tips, including safer grilling and space heater use
- Emergency evacuation procedures
- Workplace fire safety and preparedness
Programs are available for a wide range of audiences, including businesses, civic groups, schools, and community organizations. The goal is to provide residents with the knowledge and tools needed to reduce fire and safety risks and help protect lives and property.
In addition to formal programs, the Fire Marshal’s Office takes part in local events such as safety fairs, school assemblies, and career days. These events give children and families the opportunity to explore fire trucks and rescue equipment, meet first responders, and enjoy hands-on demonstrations and activities that make learning about fire safety fun, interactive, and memorable for all ages.
Request a Presentation or Event Appearance
To schedule a fire safety program or invite the Fire Marshal’s Office to an upcoming event,
Contact the Pitt County Fire Marshal's Office