Fire & Life Safety Information & Resources

The Westlake Volunteer Fire & EMS is committed to equipping our community with essential fire and life safety information. Explore our resources—including videos, infographics, downloadable checklists, and social graphics—to help protect your family and neighbors.

To request any of the services listed below, please click ---> CONTACT US.

Safety Topics

• Carbon Monoxide Safety

• Cooking Fire Safety

• Fire Extinguisher Safety

• Home Fire Escape Planning

• Smoke Alarm Safety

• …and many more

Resources

• Infographics (e.g., “3 Steps to a Fire-Safe Kitchen”)

• Detector & extinguisher checklists

• Safety videos for all age groups

Get Involved
Post checklists at home, share tips with neighbors, schedule a safety workshop with us.

Carbon Monoxide Safety

Introduction
Carbon monoxide (CO) is a silent, odorless threat. Learn how to protect your home.

Key Safety Tips

• Install CO alarms on every level and near bedrooms

• Never run fuel-burning devices inside or in garages

• Have appliances inspected annually

• Replace CO alarms every 5–7 years per manufacturer

Resources

• CO detector placement checklist

• Infographic: “Symptoms of CO Poisoning”

• Video: “How to Replace a CO Alarm”

Call to Action
Encourage neighbors to test alarms monthly and share this checklist.

Cooking Fire Safety

Introduction
Kitchen fires are the leading cause of home fires. Prevention starts with awareness.

Key Safety Tips

• Stay present when cooking—especially frying or broiling

• Keep flammables away from the stove

• Turn pot handles inward

• Clean grease regularly

• Use lids or Class K extinguisher for grease fires—not water

Resources

• Infographic: Kitchen cooking safety

• Extinguisher placement diagram

• Cooking safety checklist

Call to Action
Perform a weekly kitchen safety check and share with family.

Fire Extinguisher Safety

Introduction
Knowing how to properly use a fire extinguisher increases safety and can prevent a small fire from becoming life-threatening.

Key Safety Tips

• Store extinguishers in key areas: kitchen, garage, workshop

• Inspect monthly: check pressure gauges, safety pins, and for visible damage

• Learn and practice the P.A.S.S. method: Pull the pin → Aim at the base → Squeeze the handle → Sweep side to side

• Only attempt to extinguish small, contained fires—always keep a clear escape route

Resources

• Video demo of P.A.S.S. technique

• Reference guide to extinguisher types (A, B, C, K)

• Monthly inspection checklist

Call to Action
Set a monthly reminder for extinguisher checks and review P.A.S.S. with family or coworkers.

Home Fire Escape Planning

Introduction
A well-practiced escape plan can save lives—even when every second counts.

Key Safety Tips

• Draw a floor plan with two exit options from each room

• Identify one outdoor meeting place away from the home

• Practice home escape drills at least twice a year

• Teach everyone to “crawl low under the smoke” and touch doors before opening

Resources

• Printable home escape planning template

• How-to video: planning for children and pets

• Drill tracker log

Call to Action
Schedule your next family escape drill and post the plan near household phones or entryways.

Home Fire Sprinklers

Introduction
Residential sprinkler systems significantly reduce fire-related injuries, deaths, and property damage.

Key Safety Tips

• Each head activates individually when near a fire

• Do not hang items from sprinkler heads

• Have an annual professional inspection

• Consult local building code—sprinklers are required in many communities

Resources

• Infographic: how residential sprinklers work

• Homeowner maintenance checklist

• Video testimonial: sprinkler systems in action

Call to Action
Thinking of renovations- Request a sprinkler system quote today.

Smoke Alarm Safety

Introduction
Working smoke alarms double your chance of survival in home fires.

Key Safety Tips

• Install alarms inside bedrooms, outside sleeping areas, and on each level

• Test monthly and replace batteries annually (or use 10-year sealed batteries)

• Replace the entire alarm every 10 years

Resources

• Printable alarm testing tracker

• Infographic: ideal alarm placement

• Video: how to test smoke alarms correctly

Call to Action
Hold an annual “Test Your Smoke Alarms” day and share your completion status with neighbors.

Holiday Fire Safety

Introduction
Decorations, candles, and family gatherings bring increased fire risks during the holiday season.

Key Safety Tips

• Water live trees regularly and keep them away from heat sources

• Use flame-resistant or flame-retardant decorations

• Unplug holiday lights and extinguish candles before sleeping or leaving home

• Use heavy-duty extension cords and follow manufacturer load recommendations

Resources

• Holiday decoration safety checklist

• Infographic: safest practices for string lights

• How-to video: safe tree disposal

Call to Action
Share our holiday safety checklist with friends and use our digital badge to show your commitment to safe celebrations.

Summer Fire Safety

Introduction
Summer fire hazards include grills, outdoor cooking, fireworks, and dry brush fires.

Key Safety Tips

• Position grills at least 3 ft from structures and vegetation

• Clean grill grease traps and keep propane tanks in safe areas

• Attend only licensed fireworks events

• Maintain defensible space of 5–10 ft around homes by trimming vegetation

Resources

• Grill safety infographic

• Yard fuel-reduction checklist

• Video: propane safety practices

Call to Action
Share photos of properly spaced grills and tag us with #WestlakeSummerSafe.

Thanksgiving Fire Safety

Introduction
Holiday cooking is a significant source of fire hazards every November.

Key Safety Tips

• Fully thaw turkeys before cooking

• Keep children and pets at least 3 ft from cooking areas

• Turn pot handles inward

• Keep flammable items like towels far from the stove

Resources

• Turkey safety schedule

• Infographic: stovetop grease fire prevention

• Video: stovetop fire emergency response

Call to Action
Include these tips on invitations for safe and joyful Thanksgiving celebrations.

Winter Fire Safety

Introduction
Winter brings space-heaters, fireplaces, and electric hazards—leading to increased fire risk.

Key Safety Tips

• Clean and inspect heating systems yearly

• Keep space heaters at least 3 ft away from objects

• Use UL-listed extension cords and avoid DIY electrical work

• Prepare flashlights and batteries for power outages

Resources

• Seasonal home safety checklist

• Space heater infographic

• Fireplace maintenance video

Call to Action
Host a winter safety night and help seniors check their homes.

Campus Fire Safety

Introduction
College students face unique fire risks in shared living spaces.

Key Safety Tips

• Know building evacuation routes and follow fire alarms immediately

• Never prop open fire doors

• Avoid using cooking appliances and candles in dorm rooms

• Report fire safety concerns such as tampered alarms

Resources

• Dormitory floor plan template

• Safety workshop outline

• Infographic: dorm cooking dos and don’ts

Call to Action
Coordinate a fire safety presentation with campus or residence life groups.

Children and Fire Safety

Introduction
Children are vulnerable to fire risks—education and prevention are essential.

Key Safety Tips

• Teach “Stop, Drop, and Roll” and practice escape drills

• Store matches, lighters, medicines, and chemicals out of reach

• Never leave a child unsupervised in the kitchen or near space heaters

• Educate about electrical hazards and safe candle use

Resources

• Fire-safety coloring sheets

• Mobile game for escape-route practice

• Video: children role-playing escape scenarios

Call to Action
Organize a fire-safety event at schools or community centers with free resources from us.

Fire Safety for Older Adults

Introduction
Older adults often face mobility challenges and slower evacuation capabilities.

Key Safety Tips

• Tailor escape plans to physical abilities

• Install alarms and detectors at reachable heights

• Keep phones and mobility devices next to beds

• Ask family or neighbors to check in regularly

Resources

• Checklist: adaptive safety modifications

• Infographic: senior escape planning

• Video: success stories of safe evacuations

Call to Action
Offer to assist older neighbors with a home fire safety check.

Fire Safety for People with Disabilities

Introduction
Customized strategies and support systems are vital for individuals with disabilities.

Key Safety Tips

• Develop alternative escape routes and multiple alert systems (visual/audio)

• Coordinate with building management for evacuation assistance

• Ensure assistive devices are charged and accessible

• Practice drills specific to individual needs

Resources

• Individualized evacuation plan template

• Alarm placement infographic

• Video: barrier-free escape demonstration

Call to Action
Contact us for personalized fire safety assessments.

Apartment Fire Safety

Introduction
Fire safety in apartment buildings requires adherence to shared space rules and codes.

Key Safety Tips

• Do not disable smoke alarms or fire doors

• Avoid overloading outlets and avoid extension cords for long-term use

• Clean shared dryer lint filters after use

• Keep hallways and exits clear at all times

Resources

• Tenant safety checklist

• Infographic: common hazards in shared units

• Video: assessing fire risks in apartments

Call to Action
Start a “Fire Safe Rentals” program in your complex and share printed materials.

Arson Awareness and Prevention

Introduction
Community vigilance can reduce risks associated with deliberate fire-setting.

Key Safety Tips

• Secure matches, fuel, and lighters

• Install motion-activated lights and trim landscaping around structures

• Report suspicious activity or vehicles promptly

• Secure vacant properties and lots properly

Resources

• Neighborhood watch arson checklist

• Infographic: arson warning signs

• Video: how to report suspicious behavior

Call to Action
Distribute flyers in your neighborhood to promote arson prevention efforts.

Burn Prevention

Introduction
Many burn injuries are preventable through mindful safety practices.

Key Safety Tips

• Set water heaters to no more than 120°F (49°C)

• Use dry oven mitts and pot holders

• Keep hot liquids and appliances out of children’s reach

Resources

• Infographic: burn severity levels

• Kitchen-safe thermometer guide

• Video: correct handling of hot utensils

Call to Action
Share a “check your water heater” challenge with a neighbor.

Candle Fire Safety

Introduction
Candles should enhance ambiance—not cause disasters.

Key Safety Tips

• Use sturdy, noncombustible candle holders

• Keep candles away from cluttered surfaces

• Never burn candles while sleeping or unattended

• Fully extinguish candles before leaving a room

Resources

• Candle safety checklist

• Infographic: smart candle placement

• Video demo: safe candle extinguishing

Call to Action
Share your candle display with our digital badge and commit to safe practices.

Clothes Dryer Fire Safety

Introduction
Clogged dryer vents are a major fire hazard—but easily preventable.

Key Safety Tips

• Clean the lint screen before every dryer use

• Vacuum the vent duct system quarterly

• Use metal—not plastic—dryer ducting

• Replace worn hoses and ensure proper airflow

Resources

• Dryer maintenance checklist

• Infographic: how lint fires ignite

• Video guide: vent cleaning steps

Call to Action
Post quarterly reminder notices in shared laundry spaces.

Electrical Fire Safety

Introduction
Electrical failures cause many residential fires; preventative steps are simple and effective.

Key Safety Tips

• Hire qualified electricians for any upgrades or repairs

• Discard damaged extension cords and avoid DIY fixes

• Use Voltage converters appropriately and dispose of old ones

• Install GFCI outlets in wet or damp areas (kitchen, bath, garage)

Resources

• Electrical safety inspection form

• Infographic: signs of electrical overload

• Video demo: resetting GFCI outlets

Call to Action
Conduct a monthly plug-and-cord inspection and encourage others to do the same.

Garage and Basement Fire Safety

Introduction
Basements and garages often store flammable or dangerous materials—proper organization reduces fire risk.

Key Safety Tips

• Store paints, solvents, and fuels in approved containers

• Maintain clear, tidy workspaces free of clutter

• Use tools with correct voltage and safety certification

• Keep exits clear and visible

Resources

• Storage layout template

• Infographic: flammable liquids guidelines

• Video: electrical panel organization

Call to Action
Organize a “Clean Garage/Basement Day” in your community.

Home Fire Recovery

Introduction
Recovering from a fire requires support at every stage—emotional, structural, financial.

Steps to Take

• Contact insurance and thoroughly document damage

• Secure the property—board up openings, install fencing

• Ventilate the home and detect CO/smoke presence

• Access mental health resources for the trauma of fire loss

Resources

• Post-fire recovery checklist

• Guide to choosing restoration professionals

• Access to Red Cross, disaster relief, and counseling hotlines

Call to Action
Download our recovery guide and call us for any assistance or questions.

Severe Weather and Fire Safety

Introduction
Natural disasters can trigger secondary fire emergencies—preparation is key.

Key Safety Tips

• Keep generators outdoors and away from windows to prevent CO entry

• Clear gutters and debris before storms to reduce fire risk afterward

• Learn how to safely turn off gas and utility services

• Monitor your property for lightning damage days after storms

Resources

• Extreme-weather prep checklist

• Infographic: safe generator usage

• Video tutorial: how to shut off gas valves

Call to Action
Encourage neighbors to download the guide, prep together, and stay informed.