Fires can start quickly and spread even faster, and their impact can be devastating. In the U.S., fire departments respond to a fire every 23 seconds. Workplace fires alone cause hundreds of injuries and billions in property damage. Delaware fire departments report about 4.7 deaths and 12.5 injuries per 1,000 structure fires.
At SafeDE, safety isn’t just about compliance but protecting people, families, and communities across Delaware. That’s why we’ve put together these practical fire safety tips you can use anywhere, whether at work, home, or in your community.
Have a Fire Safety Plan
- Why it matters: In an emergency, every second counts. A practiced plan doubles the chance of survival.
- Work: Know your emergency exits, rally points, and who to contact in an emergency.
- Home: Create an escape plan with your family, practice at least twice a year.
- Community tip: Encourage schools, churches, and local organizations to run drills too.
Watch Electrical Hazards
- Why it matters: Electrical issues are a top-three cause of workplace fires, leading to billions in property losses annually.
- Replace frayed cords and never overload outlets.
- Use power strips with surge protection instead of daisy-chaining extension cords.
- Unplug small appliances when not in use.
- Pro tip: Check cords in areas where people may trip, as damage is typical.
Keep Exits Clear
- Why it matters: Blocked exits are a significant factor in fire-related injuries and fatalities.
- Whether at work, school, or home, never block exits with furniture, boxes, or decorations.
- Practice leaving through secondary exits in case your main route is blocked.
Check Smoke Alarms & Extinguishers
- Why it matters: Working smoke alarms cut the risk of dying in a fire by more than half. Yet, more than ⅓ of fire deaths happen in homes without alarms.
- Test alarms monthly; replace batteries yearly.
- Every home and workplace should have a fire extinguisher, and people trained to use it.
- In apartments or businesses, ask management about sprinkler systems or alarm maintenance.
Store & Handle Flammable Materials Safely
- Why it matters: Chemicals, clutter, and poor storage can turn a small flame into a disaster.
- Keep candles, space heaters, and open flames away from curtains, paper, and fabric.
- Store gas, paint, or cleaning products away from heat sources in ventilated areas.
- In workplaces, use designated cabinets for chemicals.
Seasonal & Community Safety
- Why it matters: The fall and winter months bring a spike in fire risk from heating, décor, and holiday activities.
- Between 2018 and 2022, an average of 835 home fires each year started with decorations, causing $14 million in property damage. Almost half were caused by decorations too close to heat sources.
- Over the 3 days around Halloween, U.S. fire departments respond to 9,200 fires on average, including a 60% jump in suspicious or incendiary fires.
- Keep pathways clear of extension cords and décor, and only use UL-listed lights.
- Check with your local fire department for community fire safety events or trainings.
- Encourage kids and teens to learn about fire safety through school or youth programs.
Build A Culture of Safety
Fire safety works best when it becomes part of daily life rather than a once-a-year checklist. That means running regular fire drills, rewarding employees who spot hazards, and weaving safety reminders into everyday operations. At home, it means talking with kids about “stop, drop, and roll” and ensuring everyone knows two ways out of every room. And in the community, it means sharing resources and participating in events like Fire Prevention Week each October. By building a culture of awareness, prevention becomes second nature.
At SafeDE, we’re proud to partner with Delaware businesses to build safer, healthier workplaces. Our no-cost consultation services can help you identify hazards, strengthen fire prevention systems, and protect your team.
Learn more and request a consultation today: worksafe.delaware.gov