Emergency Preparedness Program

Structural Fires

According to the National Fire Protection Association, structural fires cause more loss of life and property damage than all types of natural disasters combined.

Protect Yourself from Fire:

• Identify two escape routes from every room.
• Practice family fire drills.
• Install smoke alarms on every level of your home and near bedrooms.
• Keep at least one working fire extinguisher in your home.  Make sure everyone knows its location and how to use it.
• Take steps to keep fires from starting.
• Make sure firefighters can find your home.

If a Fire Starts:

• Alert others and get out.
• Once out, call the fire department and stay out.
• If you cannot get out, stay in a closed room, ventilate the room and signal to firefighters.

If Your Clothes Catch on Fire:

• Stop, drop and roll.
• Do not run.

After a Fire:

• Get and give first aid as needed.
• Stay out of fire-damaged home until local fire officials say it is safe to re-enter.
• Look for structural damage.
• Check that all wiring and utilities are safe.
• Discard food that has been exposed to heat, smoke or soot.
• Contact your insurance agent

Learn More:

• Fires (Ready America)
• Fire (FEMA)
• Fire (American Red Cross)
• Fire Safety (U.S. Fire Administration)
• Fire Safety Tips (Chesterfield Fire Department)
• Fire Safety Tips (Eastpointe Fire and Rescue)
• Fire Safety Tips (New Baltimore Fire Department)
• Fire Safety Tips (St. Clair Shores Fire Department)
• Fire Safety Tips (Shelby Township Fire Department)
  

Wildfires

Outdoor burning is the leading cause of wildfires in Macomb County. Restricting open burning of trash and yard debris has reduced wildfire vulnerability and has resulted in Macomb County having one of the lowest wildfire loss rates in the state.

Prevent Wildfires:

• Do not burn trash or yard debris. (The cause of nearly one-third of wildfires in Michigan).
• Build fires away from nearby trees or bushes.
• Have a handy way to extinguish the fire quickly and completely.
• Stay with a fire.  Never leave a fire (even a burning cigarette) unattended.

Protect Yourself and Your Property:

• Maintain buildings and landscaping to be as wildfire resistant as possible.
• Make your home easy to find and easy to access.
• Identify and maintain outside water sources.

If a Wildfire Threatens:

• Stay informed.  Listen to local radio and television stations for updates.
• Get ready to leave at a moment’s notice.
• If you think you should or if authorities tell you to evacuate immediately, go right away.  Delay could be deadly.
• Take steps to protect your home only if you have more time.

After a Wildfire:

• Get permission from fire officials before entering a burned wildfire area.
• Look out for hazards, such as fallen wires and poles and ash pits.
• Be alert to the possibility of re-ignition.
• Take safety precautions while cleaning up.
• Make sure the water is safe before drinking.

Learn More:

• Wildfires (Ready America)
• Wildfire (FEMA)
• Wildfires (CDC)
• Wildfire (American Red Cross)

 

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Information is not intended to be a substitute for appropriate medical advice.  Links to external sites do not constitute endorsements by Macomb County.