Fire Safety Tips

The goal of the Rocklin Fire Department is to keep you safe and be there when you need us. Provided on this page are some helpful hints and tips that we would like to share with you. The page covers a wide range of topics from smoke alarms to home fire sprinklers, evacuation plans, and basic fire safety. Please take a moment and review this information and when in doubt call 9-1-1. If there is no emergency and you are in need of assistance please call (916) 625-5400.

Smoke Alarms at Home

• Install smoke alarms in every bedroom. They should also be outside each sleeping area and on every level of the home. You may even consider installing alarms in the basement.
• People who are hard of hearing can use special alarms. These alarms have strobe lights and bed shakers.
• Test smoke alarms monthly and change the batteries at least once a year. Do not change the battery if your smoke alarm contains lithium batteries. The alarm will let out a periodic “chirping” sound when the battery needs to be replaced.
• It is best to use interconnected smoke alarms but you need to remember that when one battery backup is low, all the detectors will sound. It’s best to change all batteries simultaneously.
• Replace smoke alarms every 10 years or as the manufacturer recommends.
• Install smoke alarms away from air vents.
• Install smoke alarms on the ceiling or wall, at least 4 inches from the corners.
• When affixed to walls, smoke alarms should be between 4 and 12 inches from the ceiling.
• Never disable or remove smoke alarm batteries.

Escape Planning

• Develop a fire escape plan with the members of your household and practice it often.
• Know two ways to exit from every room in your home.
• Make sure that safety bars on windows can be opened from inside your home.
• Crawl low, under smoke.
• Consider sleeping with the door closed. A closed door may slow the spread of smoke, heat and fire.
• Feel closed doors. If hot, use another exit.
• Place a cloth or blanket (moistened if possible) along the bottom of the door to reduce the amount of smoke entering the room.
• Identify a place to meet outside in case of fire. Never re-enter a burning building.
• Escape first. Then call 9-1-1 for emergency assistance.

Fire Safety

• Keep clothes, blankets, curtains, and other combustibles at least three feet from portable heaters.
• Place portable heaters appropriately in the home to ensure they will not tip over.
• Have chimneys serviced and inspected annually by a professional.
• Clear the area around the hearth of debris, flammables, and decorative materials.
• Always use a metal mesh screen with fireplaces and leave glass doors open while burning a fire.
• Do not place fireplace ashes in combustible containers. Fire ashes can stay hot for days will reignite with the proper amount of oxygen and fuel. Only dispose of ashes in a metal container stirring every day until the ashes are cold and properly extinguished. 
• Keep clothes, towels, and other combustibles away from stove burners.
• Never leave cooking unattended.
• Be sure your stove and all small appliances are off before going to bed.
• Purchase a multipurpose fire extinguisher for your kitchen and garage. 
• Do not place electrical cords under rugs or furniture. Always check for frayed wires before use.
• Never overload electrical sockets.
• Keep lighters and matches out of the reach of children.
• Never leave cigarettes unattended.
• Never smoke in bed.