Smoke detectors and home escape planning could save your life! Early warning is critical to surviving a home fire.
Smoke Detector Best Practices
Install smoke detectors on every level of your home and in every sleeping area
Test detectors monthly and replace batteries annually
Replace entire detector units every 10 years
Never disable a smoke detector
Create and practice a home fire escape plan with your family
Make sure everyone knows two ways out of every room
How to Dispose of Smoke Detectors
Did you know that smoke detectors need to be replaced every 10 years? Over time, the sensors become weak and less reliable. Disposing of a smoke detector depends on what kind you have.
Types of Smoke Detectors
Ionization Detectors: Contain a very minute amount of radioactive material (Americium 241). These must have a warning label with the radiation symbol.
Photoelectric Detectors: Do not contain radioactive material and can be disposed of with normal trash after battery removal.
WARNING: ORANGE COUNTY SOLID WASTE WILL NOT ACCEPT IONIZATION SMOKE DETECTORS
Ionization detectors must be returned to the manufacturer for proper disposal.
Smoke Detector Manufacturers Contact Information
When returning a detector to the manufacturer, include a note indicating the detector is to be disposed of, and mail it to the address listed below:
When used properly, portable extinguishers can help save lives and property. They are useful in containing small fires until the fire department arrives.
Remember: PASS
P - Pull the pin
A - Aim at the base of the fire
S - Squeeze the handle
S - Sweep from side to side
Fire Extinguisher Tips
Keep extinguishers in easily accessible locations
Make sure everyone in your home knows where they are located
Check pressure gauge monthly
Have extinguishers inspected annually
Only fight small fires - if the fire is spreading, evacuate immediately
Always keep an exit route behind you when fighting a fire
Space Heater Safety
Space heaters are a leading cause of home heating fires. Follow these safety guidelines to keep your family safe.
Space Heater Safety Tips
Keep space heaters at least 3 feet away from anything that can burn
Never leave a space heater unattended - turn it off when leaving the room
Plug space heaters directly into wall outlets, never into extension cords
Choose heaters with automatic shut-off features
Keep space heaters on flat, level surfaces
Never use space heaters to dry clothing or other items
Turn off and unplug heaters when going to bed
Keep children and pets away from space heaters
Important: Never use your oven or stove to heat your home!
This is a serious fire and carbon monoxide hazard.
Electrical Safety
Electrical fires cause thousands of home fires each year. Many can be prevented with proper safety practices.
Electrical Safety Guidelines
Never overload outlets or extension cords
Replace or repair damaged or frayed electrical cords immediately
Use the correct wattage bulbs in light fixtures
Don't run electrical cords under rugs or furniture
Install tamper-resistant outlets if you have young children
Have a licensed electrician inspect old or outdated wiring
Use surge protectors for valuable electronics
Unplug appliances when not in use
Never use electrical appliances near water
Test GFCI outlets monthly by pressing the test button
Warning Signs of Electrical Problems
Flickering lights, warm outlets, burning smells, frequent circuit breaker trips, or buzzing sounds. Call a licensed electrician immediately if you notice these signs.
Candle Safety
Candles add ambiance but can be dangerous if not used properly. Follow these guidelines to enjoy candles safely.
Safe Candle Use
Never leave burning candles unattended
Keep candles at least 12 inches away from anything that can burn
Use sturdy, heat-resistant candle holders
Keep candles out of reach of children and pets
Trim candle wicks to 1/4 inch before lighting
Never use candles during power outages - use flashlights instead
Extinguish candles before leaving a room or going to bed
Keep candles away from drafts, vents, and air currents
Never burn a candle all the way down - stop when 2 inches remain
Safer Alternatives
Consider using battery-operated flameless candles. They provide the same ambiance without the fire risk.
Fireplace & Wood Stove Safety
Fireplaces and wood stoves provide warmth and comfort, but require proper maintenance and safe operation.
Fireplace & Wood Stove Safety
Have your chimney inspected and cleaned annually by a professional
Use a fireplace screen to prevent sparks from escaping
Never leave a fire unattended
Keep flammable materials at least 3 feet away from the fireplace
Burn only seasoned hardwood - never trash, cardboard, or treated wood
Dispose of ashes in a metal container outside, away from the house
Let ashes cool for several days before disposal
Never close the damper until the fire is completely out
Install a carbon monoxide detector near sleeping areas
Keep a fire extinguisher nearby
Creosote Buildup Warning
Creosote buildup in chimneys is a leading cause of chimney fires. Annual cleaning is essential!
Weather Safety
Hurricane Preparedness
August through October are the most active months of hurricane season. Prepare your family and home before a storm approaches.
Hurricane Preparation Checklist
Assemble an emergency supply kit with water, food, and medications
Secure outdoor items that could become projectiles
Take photos of your property for insurance purposes
Lightning Safety
Central North Carolina experiences regular thunderstorms during summer months. Take necessary precautions to protect yourself from the dangers of lightning.
Lightning Safety Rules
When thunder roars, go indoors!
Avoid open areas, tall trees, and bodies of water
Wait 30 minutes after the last thunder before going outside
If caught outside, crouch low with feet together, minimizing contact with the ground
Avoid using corded phones, taking showers, or touching electrical equipment during storms
Stay away from windows and doors
Do not lie flat on the ground
Tornado Safety
While less common than other severe weather, tornadoes can occur in North Carolina. Know what to do when a tornado warning is issued.
Know the Difference
Tornado Watch: Conditions are favorable for tornadoes. Stay alert.
Tornado Warning: A tornado has been sighted or detected on radar. Take shelter immediately!
Tornado Safety Actions
Go to the lowest level of your building immediately
Stay in an interior room away from windows (bathroom, closet, or hallway)
Get under sturdy furniture and protect your head and neck
Stay away from windows, doors, and outside walls
If in a mobile home, evacuate to a sturdy building
If caught outside, lie flat in a ditch or low-lying area
Never try to outrun a tornado in a vehicle
Listen to NOAA Weather Radio or local news for updates
Winter Weather Safety
Winter storms can bring snow, ice, and dangerous conditions. Be prepared before severe winter weather arrives.
Winter Preparedness
Keep emergency supplies including food, water, and medications for several days
Have flashlights, batteries, and a battery-powered radio ready
Protect pipes from freezing - let faucets drip during extreme cold
Keep your car's gas tank at least half full
Stock your vehicle with blankets, water, snacks, and first aid supplies
Avoid travel during winter storms if possible
Dress in layers and limit time outdoors during extreme cold
Check on elderly neighbors and relatives
Never use generators, grills, or camp stoves indoors
Carbon Monoxide Warning
Never use gas stoves or ovens to heat your home. This creates a deadly carbon monoxide hazard!
Flooding Safety
Flooding is one of the most common and dangerous natural disasters. Know how to stay safe before, during, and after a flood.
Flood Safety Guidelines
Never walk, swim, or drive through flood waters - Turn Around, Don't Drown!
Just 6 inches of moving water can knock you down
12 inches of water can carry away most vehicles
Move to higher ground if flooding is occurring or predicted
Avoid contact with flood water - it may be contaminated
Stay off bridges over fast-moving water
If trapped in a building, go to the highest level but not the attic
Listen to emergency broadcasts for evacuation information
Document damage with photos for insurance claims
NEVER Drive Through Flooded Roads
Most flood deaths occur in vehicles. Turn around and find an alternate route.
Traffic & Road Safety
It Can Wait - Distracted Driving Prevention
Distracted driving kills. Put down your phone and keep your eyes on the road. No text, call, or notification is worth a life.
Remember: It Can Wait
Every text can wait. Every call can wait. Your life cannot.
Prevent Distracted Driving
Put your phone away before starting the vehicle
Use hands-free devices only when necessary
Pull over safely if you need to make a call or text
Set up GPS and music before driving
Avoid eating, drinking, or grooming while driving
Keep conversations with passengers to a minimum
If you have young passengers, attend to their needs before driving
Seat Belt Safety
Seat belts save lives. It's that simple. Buckling up is the single most effective way to protect yourself in a vehicle.
Seat Belt Facts & Tips
Seat belts reduce the risk of death by 45% and serious injury by 50%
Everyone in the vehicle should buckle up on every trip, every time
Wear your seat belt low across your hips and shoulder belt across your chest
Never place the shoulder belt under your arm or behind your back
Pregnant women should wear seat belts with the lap belt below the belly
Replace seat belts after a crash - they may be damaged
Set a good example - children who see adults buckle up are more likely to do so
North Carolina Law
North Carolina law requires all drivers and passengers to wear seat belts. The fine for not wearing a seat belt is $25.50, but the cost of not wearing one could be your life.
Child Passenger Safety
Car crashes are a leading cause of death for children. Proper use of car seats and booster seats can prevent injuries and save lives.
Car Seat Guidelines
Rear-facing car seats: Birth until at least age 2 or until they reach the height/weight limit
Forward-facing car seats: After outgrowing rear-facing until at least age 5
Booster seats: After outgrowing forward-facing seat until seat belt fits properly
Seat belts: When child is tall enough (usually 4'9") to use adult seat belt correctly
Always read both car seat and vehicle manuals
Register your car seat to receive safety recalls
Never use an expired or crashed car seat
Rear seat is safest for children under 13
Free Car Seat Inspections
Contact the Orange Rural Fire Department to schedule a free car seat inspection. Our certified technicians can help ensure your child's seat is properly installed.
Pedestrian Safety
Whether walking for exercise or transportation, pedestrians must stay alert and follow safety guidelines.
Walking Safely
Always use sidewalks when available
If no sidewalk, walk facing traffic on the left side of the road
Cross streets at crosswalks or intersections when possible
Look left, right, and left again before crossing
Make eye contact with drivers before crossing
Obey traffic signals and signs
Wear bright or reflective clothing, especially at night
Carry a flashlight when walking at night
Stay off your phone while walking near traffic
Never assume drivers can see you
Be Visible, Be Safe
Most pedestrian fatalities occur at night. Wear reflective gear and carry a light!
Bicycle Safety
Bicycling is great exercise and transportation, but cyclists must follow traffic laws and safety practices.
Bicycle Safety Tips
Always wear a properly fitted helmet
Ride in the same direction as traffic
Obey all traffic signals, signs, and lane markings
Use hand signals to indicate turns and stops
Make yourself visible with bright clothing and lights
Use a white front light and red rear light at night
Stay alert and watch for opening car doors
Don't wear headphones while riding
Ride predictably and in a straight line
Make eye contact with drivers
Helmet Facts
Wearing a bicycle helmet reduces the risk of head injury by 85%. North Carolina law requires all riders under 16 to wear helmets.
Seasonal Safety
Autumn Safety Tips
Here are some great safety tips for the autumn season for you and your family.
Fall Season Safety
Inspect heating systems before cold weather arrives
Clean gutters and downspouts to prevent water damage
Check smoke and CO detectors when changing clocks
Store summer items like grills and lawn equipment properly
Rake leaves away from your home's foundation
Test your home's heating system early in the season
Trim tree branches that could fall on power lines or your home
Stock emergency supplies for winter weather
Winter Safety Tips
Cold weather brings unique safety challenges. Stay warm and safe throughout the winter months.
Winter Safety
Prevent frozen pipes by insulating them and keeping cabinet doors open during extreme cold
Keep emergency supplies including blankets, non-perishable food, and water
Dress in layers when going outdoors in cold weather
Watch for signs of hypothermia and frostbite
Clear snow and ice from walkways to prevent slips and falls
Use salt or sand on icy surfaces
Service snow removal equipment before the first storm
Keep your car's emergency kit stocked with blankets and supplies
Never leave space heaters unattended
Have chimneys inspected and cleaned before heating season
Winter Storm Safety
Stay indoors during winter storms. If you must go out, dress warmly and let someone know your plans.
Spring Safety Tips
Spring brings warmer weather and outdoor activities. Be prepared for spring storms and outdoor hazards.
Spring Safety
Check your home for winter damage - roof, siding, foundation
Test outdoor electrical outlets before using lawn equipment
Inspect ladders before climbing to clean gutters or do yard work
Be aware of severe weather - spring is tornado season
Service lawn mowers and outdoor power equipment safely
Watch for allergens - keep windows closed on high pollen days
Check window screens for tears and repair or replace
Trim trees and shrubs away from power lines
Clean and inspect your grill before first use of the season
Review your family emergency plan and update emergency contacts
Severe Weather Awareness
Spring is peak season for severe thunderstorms and tornadoes in North Carolina. Make sure you have multiple ways to receive weather warnings.
Summer Safety Tips
Summer means more time outdoors. Stay safe while enjoying the warm weather.
Summer Safety
Stay hydrated - drink plenty of water, especially during outdoor activities
Use sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher and reapply every 2 hours
Never leave children or pets in parked vehicles
Be aware of heat exhaustion and heat stroke warning signs
Check the backseat every time you exit your vehicle
Supervise children around water at all times - no exceptions
Use life jackets when boating or participating in water sports
Apply insect repellent to prevent tick and mosquito bites
Check for ticks after spending time outdoors
Grill outdoors only and keep grills away from structures
Be cautious with fireworks or leave them to professionals
Hot Car Danger
A car's interior can reach deadly temperatures in minutes. Never leave children or pets in vehicles, even with windows cracked.
Water Safety Reminder
Drowning is silent and quick. Always designate a "water watcher" who is not distracted by phones or conversations when children are swimming.
