Residential Fire Safety Flashcards

What is the maximum recommended distance between smoke alarms on the same floor of a home?

Answer: 30 feet

Smoke alarms should be installed no more than 30 feet apart on the same floor to ensure adequate coverage.

Which type of fire extinguisher is rated safe to use on electrical fires in the home?

Answer: Class C

Class C extinguishers use non-conductive agents and are specifically rated for electrical fires.

How often should you test your home's smoke alarm batteries if using standard alkaline batteries?

Answer: Once a month

NFPA recommends pressing the test button on smoke alarms at least once a month to verify functionality.

What should you do immediately if you smell gas in your home before a fire starts?

Answer: Leave immediately and call the gas company from outside

Any spark — including flipping a light switch — can ignite gas, so you must leave first and call from a safe distance.

Which common household appliance is the leading cause of home fires in the United States?

Answer: Dryer

Clothes dryers, primarily due to lint buildup in the vent, are the leading appliance cause of home fires according to NFPA data.

What is the purpose of a 'fire-resistant' door in a residential garage?

Answer: To slow the spread of fire from the garage into the living area

A fire-resistant door between the garage and living space is designed to slow fire spread, giving occupants more time to escape.

At what height should carbon monoxide detectors be installed in a bedroom?

Answer: At breathing level, about 5 feet

CO detectors should be placed at breathing level (around 5 feet) since CO mixes evenly with air and is inhaled at that height during sleep.