Polk County Texas            

Identify the fire hazards in your home.

Make sure to install, store, and use all fire susceptible appliances, materials, and items properly.  Read all warning labels and follow all instructions regarding fire and electricity hazards.  Some examples of products with warning labels that you should check include:

Cooking Appliances

• Stove, Cooktop, or Oven

• Griddle, Waffle Iron, or Countertop Grill

• Microwave, Convection, Rotisserie, or Toaster Oven

• Popcorn Machine, Slow Cooker, Breadmaker, Electric Skillet or Wok, Hot Plate, Coffee Pot, Toaster, Etc.

Heating Devices

• Wood Stoves or Heaters & Fireplaces

• Propane and Natural Gas Heaters and Fireplaces

• Kerosene Heaters & Oil-based Radiators

• Electric Heaters of any variety or size, including Infrared and Ceramic Heaters

Cleaning Appliances

• Washing Machine

• Clothes Dryer

• Dishwasher

• Fabric Iron or Press

Materials and Chemicals

• Furniture and Drapes

• Mattresses and Bedding

• Clothing

• Paint Thinner

• Rubbing Alcohol, Hairspray, Fingernail Polish Remover, and other Beauty Products

• Furniture Polish and Other Cleaning Products

• Lighter Fluid, Gasoline, and other Fuels

Miscellaneous Hazards

• Extension Cords and Power Strips

• Night Lights and Plug-In Scent Dispensers

• Electric Outlet Overload

• Fire-Starting Devices Such as Matches and Cigarette Lighters

• Untended or Smoldering Cigarettes and Candles

• Holiday Lights and Decorations

• Curling Iron, Hot Rollers and Hair Dryer

Basic Firefighting Tips

Before deciding to fight a fire, be certain that:

1. The fire is small and not spreading.  A fire can double in size within minutes.

2. You have the proper fire extinguisher for what is burning.

3. The fire won’t block your exit if you can’t control it.  Keep your back to the exit.

4. You know your fire extinguisher works.

5. There’s no time to read instructions when fire occurs.

How To Fight a Fire Safely

• Use a sweeping motion with a fire extinguisher, aiming at the base of the fire.

• Stand several feet away from the fire, moving closer once the fire starts to diminish.

• If possible, have someone ready to back you up or call for help if something goes wrong.

• Be sure to watch the area for a while to ensure it does not reignite.

NEVER FIGHT A FIRE IF…………

The fire is spreading rapidly.

Only use a fire extinguisher when the fire is in early stages.  If the fire is already spreading quickly, evacuate and call 9-1-1.

You don’t know what is burning.

Unless you know what is burning, you won’t know what type fire extinguisher to use.  Even if you have an ABC extinguisher, there could be something that will explode or produce highly toxic smoke.

You don’t have the proper fire extinguisher.

The wrong type of extinguisher can be dangerous and life threatening.

There is too much smoke or you are at risk of inhaling smoke.

70% of fire related deaths occur from breathing poisonous gases produced by the fire.

Smoke Detectors

Early warning of a fire in your home means precious moments to escape safely.

Install the proper number of smoke detectors in your home and place them correctly for the best protection.

Number of Detectors

• Minimum – One outside each sleeping area and one on every level of the home, including the basement

• Maximum – One in each bedroom, one on every level of your home, and one in every living area

Placement of Detectors

• Place in the middle of the ceiling if possible

• For wall-mounted units, place at least 3 ft. from any corner and 6-12 in. from the ceiling

• Do no install a smoke detector near a heating or cooling duct

Maintain Your Smoke Detectors

• Once a month – Test by pressing Button

• Once a month – Vacuum or dust front slats

• Twice a year – Change batteries spring and fall; use daylight savings time as a reminder

If you hear a chirp coming from your smoke detector, change the battery immediately!

The Polk County Fire Marshal's Office has created a program to help provide Smoke Alarms for families in need. Funds received from Fire Marshal Inspection and Permit fees are used to purchase these alarms. If you are in need fill out the application below and submit it to our office. If you are in need of assistance with installation your local Volunteer Fire Department may be able to assist.

Smoke Alarm Application

Choose your route to get out

• Draw up an easy-to-read floorplan of your home.

• Determine two fire escape routes for each room in the home.

• For homes with more than one floor, prepare an exit that includes escaping from an upper floor window or balcony if necessary.  If an escape ladder will be used, make sure it is located near the window.

• Choose a safe place outside the home for everyone to meet to make sure everyone got out safely.

Practice your escape plan

• Carefully go over escape routes and fire safety with everyone who lives in your home, especially the elderly and children.

• Make adjustments to your plan if need be and update everyone on changes.

• Hold fire drills at least twice a year to practice the plan.

• Time your drills to express the urgency of escaping a fire.

Precautions in the event of a fire

• If there’s a fire in your home, exit immediately!  Don’t hesitate.  Get out and stay out!  Call 9-1-1 from outside or from a neighbor’s home.

• If you must exit through a smoke-filled room or hallway, crawl under the smoke.

• Feel any doors before you open them.  If the door is warm, follow your second escape route.

• If the flames, smoke, or heat are overwhelming and block all of your escape possibilities, stay put. Close the door and call 9-1-1 if there is a phone in the room.  Tell the dispatcher where you are in the home.

GET OUT AND STAY OUT!