Preventing Emergencies

Tips for preventing a house fire:

• Make sure to clean the lint catcher in the dryer after each use.
• Do not overload outlets and make sure all cords are in good condition with no cracks, bare wires, or other damage.
• Do not use damaged, leaking, hot-to-the-touch, or popping/hissing batteries.
• Keep flammable materials at least 3 feet away from a furnace.
• Never leave any open flame or candle unattended. Consider using electric candles instead.  
• Never put water on a grease fire or even hot grease or oil. When cooking, keep a baking sheet or pan lid within reach and use that if the pan catches fire. This will put out the flames.

Fire Extinguishers

• Always look for the “UL Listed” or “ULC Listed” label on a fire extinguisher to ensure it is certified for use by a nationally recognized testing laboratory.
• Fire extinguishers vary in size and weight, but it is recommended to select the largest fire extinguisher that a user can safely and comfortably operate.
• How to read the classification label: The number before the “A” represents a multiple of 1.25 gallons of water whereas the number before the “B” represents a multiple of the area or size in square feet of fire to be extinguished. For example, a fire extinguisher classification of 1A:10B:C indicates that it provides the equivalent of 1.25 gallons of water applied on a Class A fire. The number 10 indicates it can extinguish Class B fires up to 10 square feet in size, and the C indicates that it can be used for Class C fires.

Learn more here.

Smoke Alarms

According to the U.S. Fire Administration, installing smoke alarms in every bedroom, outside each separate sleeping area, and on every level of a home — including the basement — is a fire safety precaution that all homeowners and landlords in your community need to take to protect residents from fire.

USFA Smoke Alarms- English  USFA Smoke Alarms- Spanish

Set Calendar Reminders

Mark your calendars for the following reminders to keep your family safe from smoke and fire: 

• You should test all alarms in your home once a month.
• Change the batteries in them once per year.
• Replace all alarms in your home once every 10 years. 

The City of Mesquite wants to keep its residents safe, so If you need help testing or installing your smoke detectors you can contact the Mesquite Fire Department. You can also contact the Red Cross.

Preventing Grass Fires

• Don't throw cigarette or cigar butts on the ground or out of a vehicle. Dispose of them properly and make sure they are completely extinguished.
• Do not burn trash, leaves or brush outdoors if there is a burn ban in effect in your jurisdiction or if weather conditions are ripe for fire.
• Keep a 30-foot "safety zone" surrounding the home clear of brush and cedar, especially for those living in a woodland area. Grass should be cut short in this area as well. For homes that sit on a steep slope, the safety zone should be increased accordingly.
• Stack firewood at least 15 feet and uphill from the home.
• Rake leaves, cut off dead limbs and twigs, and mow grass regularly. Cut tree limbs within 15 feet of the ground and remove dead branches that extend over the roof.
• Don't park cars, trucks, or recreational vehicles on dry grass or shrubs. Exhaust systems on vehicles can reach a temperature of more than 1000 degrees; it only takes about 500 degrees to start a brush fire in the summer.
• Use an approved spark arrester on all internal combustion engine-powered equipment. This special muffler helps ensure that sparks generated by off-road vehicles, chainsaws and other equipment don’t start wildfires. Check and replace spark arresters periodically.
• Maintain equipment in good working order.
• Parents should emphasize to their children the dangers of playing with fire. Many grass fires are started by children who have no idea how quickly flames can grow and spread.
• Homeowners who barbeque should maintain a 10-foot area free of brush and shrubbery around grills and propane tanks. Non-flammable screens should be placed over the grill (with mesh no coarser than 1/4 inch thick). Never leave a grill unattended. After use, place grill ashes in a metal bucket and soak in water.
• Keep a shovel, bucket of water, fire extinguisher, or other fire suppression tools on hand.