Fire Safety Month

Fire Safety Month: Protecting Your Arizona Home Inside and Out

September is Fire Safety Month, a perfect time to ensure your Arizona home is prepared to prevent and respond to potential fire hazards. With our state's unique climate and environment, it’s essential to take specific precautions both inside and outside your home.

Join Us for the First Friday, September 6th!

To kick off Fire Safety Month, we’re hosting a special event on Friday, September 6th, from 3-6 PM at our office. Stop by for a chance to win one of eight fire safety blankets—an essential tool for quickly smothering small fires.

We’ll be serving fall-themed mocktails and appetizers to help you get into the autumn spirit while learning about fire safety. It’s a great opportunity to meet with neighbors, gather valuable safety information, and enjoy some seasonal treats.

Here are some practical tips to help keep your family and property safe.

Indoor Fire Safety Tips

1. Install and Test Smoke Alarms: Smoke alarms are your first line of defense in a fire. Ensure you have smoke alarms installed on every level of your home, especially near bedrooms. Test them monthly and replace batteries at least once a year. If your smoke alarms are over ten years old, consider replacing them entirely.
2. Check Your Fire Extinguishers: Fire extinguishers are essential in quickly responding to a small fire before it spreads. Check the expiration dates on your fire extinguishers to ensure they are still effective. You should have at least one fire extinguisher in your kitchen, another near any fireplaces or wood stoves, and one in the garage. Make sure everyone in your household knows how to use them.
3. Create a Fire Escape Plan: Every household should have a fire escape plan. Identify two exits from each room, and establish a meeting place outside your home. Practice the plan regularly with your family, especially if you have young children or elderly family members.

Outdoor Fire Safety Tips

1. Clear Your Property of Debris: Arizona’s dry conditions can turn debris into kindling. Regularly clean gutters, remove dead leaves, and trim back any overgrown vegetation around your home. Create a defensible space by keeping at least 30 feet of cleared area around your house, free of dry brush and dead plants.
2. Maintain Outdoor Equipment: If you use outdoor equipment like grills, fire pits, or chimineas, ensure they are placed on a non-flammable surface and kept at least 10 feet away from your home or other structures. Regularly inspect and clean these items to prevent accidental fires.
3. Store Flammable Materials Safely: Propane tanks, gasoline, and other flammable materials should be stored in a well-ventilated area away from your home. Never store these items, including pool chemicals, in a hot garage, as the heat can cause them to become unstable and potentially ignite. Always use approved containers for storage.

Fire safety is crucial, especially in Arizona’s unique climate. By taking proactive steps both inside and outside your home, you can significantly reduce the risk of fire and ensure the safety of your loved ones. We hope to see you on September 6^th from 3-6PM at our RE/MAX Sun Properties Office at 16824 E. Ave of Fountains, Fountain Hills.