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Severe Weather Fire Safety

Severe weather can happen at any time, in any part of the country. That's why it's important for your community to be ready for severe weather events and to understand the fire risks that can come with them.

Did you know:

The town of Ocean Isle Beach, North Carolina, experienced several fires during and after Hurricane Isaias.

Help your fire department increase community awareness about preventing home fires during and after severe weather with these free fire safety and prevention outreach materials.

Fire hazards during severe weather

  • Lightning
  • Portable generators not often used or maintained
  • Leaking gas lines, damaged gas propane containers and leaking vehicle gas tanks
  • Appliances and vehicles exposed to water
  • Debris near severed electrical wires and transformers
  • Damaged or downed utility lines
  • Exposed electrical outlets and wiring

Messages to share

Click to copy message.
Never use candles for emergency lighting. Use flashlights and stock up on extra batteries.
Make sure your smoke alarm has a backup battery.
Use surge protectors.
Consider unplugging appliances.
Disconnect motor vehicle batteries in flood-prone areas.
Connect appliances to portable generators with heavy-duty extension cords.
Don't fuel your generator when it is running. Spilling gas on a hot engine can cause a fire.

Social media graphics and stock photos

social media card: turn off fuse box after a home flood if safe

Pictographs

Pictographs can help overcome literacy barriers by communicating messages with pictures. Our pictographs will help you to communicate severe weather fire safety messages to high-risk populations.

house with electric
house without electric
don't use a candle in the event of losing electric

Handouts


Video

https://youtu.be/nZAhqjsT1vI