Each year, house fires claim lives and destroy property across the country, but many of these tragedies are preventable. For families in Cuba, New Mexico, and surrounding rural areas, prevention is especially important because emergency response times can be longer due to distance and terrain. The Cuba Volunteer Fire Department (CVFD) urges every household to take proactive steps toward fire safety. This comprehensive guide shares 10 critical practices that can protect your home and loved ones.

1. Install and Maintain Smoke Alarms

Smoke alarms provide early warning when every second counts. Install alarms in bedrooms, hallways, and every level of the home. Test alarms monthly and replace batteries twice a year. Replace units every 10 years. A working smoke alarm doubles your chances of surviving a fire.

2. Create and Practice a Family Escape Plan

Every family member should know two ways out of each room and where to gather outside. Practice the plan at least twice a year, including at night. In rural areas where responders may take longer to arrive, a fast escape is vital.

3. Heating and Fireplace Safety

Winter in New Mexico brings increased use of wood stoves and space heaters. Keep combustibles three feet away, clean chimneys yearly, and never use ovens for heat. Always turn off space heaters when leaving a room.

4. Cooking Safety

Kitchen fires are the leading cause of home fires. Stay in the kitchen when cooking, keep flammables away from the stove, and keep a lid nearby to smother grease fires. Teach teenagers safe cooking habits too.

5. Electrical Safety

Replace frayed or damaged cords immediately. Don’t overload power strips. Use qualified electricians for repairs. Avoid running cords under rugs, which can cause overheating and sparks.

6. Candle and Open Flame Safety

Candles should never be left unattended. Place them in sturdy holders and away from curtains. Consider using LED candles instead. Matches and lighters must be kept away from children.

7. Store Fuels and Chemicals Properly

Gasoline, propane, and other flammable liquids must be kept in approved containers, away from the home. Never store fuel near heating appliances. Proper storage reduces both fire and explosion risk.

8. Educate Children Early

Children are naturally curious about fire. Teach them the dangers and never use fire as a toy. Show children how to escape a fire safely and reinforce that firefighters are helpers, not people to hide from.

9. Ensure Firefighter Access

In rural areas, firefighters may need to navigate long driveways or locked gates. Ensure address numbers are visible from the road, gates are accessible, and driveways are clear. This can save valuable minutes during an emergency.

10. Make Fire Safety a Habit

Review your family’s fire safety practices at least once a year. Replace batteries, refresh escape plans, and update supplies in your go-bag. Fire safety isn’t a one-time task—it’s a lifelong responsibility.

Conclusion

Fire safety saves lives. By following these 10 practices, families in Northern New Mexico can greatly reduce their risk of tragedy. CVFD stands ready to respond, but prevention starts at home. Together, we can build a safer community.