Focus on Fire Safety
Disasters and Fire Safety
A wide range of natural disasters occur within the United States every year. Natural disasters can have a devastating effect on you and your home. One aspect of disasters that is often overlooked is the risk of fire. The U.S. Fire Administration encourages you to review the disaster-specific information on this page to help protect yourself, your family and your home from the potential threat of fire during or after a disaster. You can greatly reduce your chances of becoming a fire casualty by being able to identify potential hazards and following the outlined safety tips.
Fire-Related Hazards Present During and After Disasters
Floodwaters floated a gas dryer at this apartment complex, causing a gas line to explode. Six people were killed. Photo by Liz Roll/FEMA News Photo
Flood
- Alternative heating devices used incorrectly create fire hazards. Proper use and maintenance can decrease the possibility of a fire.
- Leaking above ground gas lines, damaged or leaking gas or propane containers, and leaking vehicle gas tanks may explode or ignite.
- Pools of water and even appliances can be electrically charged. This can result in a dangerous electrical fire.
- Appliances that have been exposed to water can short and become a fire hazard.
- Generators are often used during power outages. Unless generators are properly used and maintained, they can be very hazardous.
Earthquake
- Gas, chemical and electrical hazards may be present.
- Leaking gas lines, damaged or leaking gas propane containers, and leaking vehicle gas tanks could explode or ignite.
- Pools of water or even appliances can be electrically charged.
- Appliances, furniture, and household products can shift, fall, and spill.
Summer Storms
- Lightning associated with thunderstorms generates a variety of fire hazards. The power of lightning's electrical charge and intense heat can electrocute on contact, splitting trees and causing fires.
- Pools of water and even appliances can be electrically charged.
- Appliances that have been exposed to water can short and become a fire hazard.
- Generators are often used during power outages. Generators that are not properly used and maintained can be very hazardous.
Winter Storms
- Alternative heating devices used incorrectly create fire hazards.
- Damaged or downed utility lines can present a fire and life safety hazard.
- Water damaged appliances and utilities can be electrically charged.
- Leaking gas lines, damaged or leaking gas propane containers, and leaking vehicle gas tanks may explode or ignite.
- Generators are often used during power outages. Generators that are not properly used and maintained can be very hazardous.
- Frozen water pipes can burst and cause safety hazards.
Disaster victims sift through the ashes of their home, finding only a few small family photos after their house burned to the ground by an electrical fire caused by a tornado. Photo by Bob McMillan/ FEMA News Photo
Tornado/Hurricane
- Leaking gas lines, damaged or leaking gas propane containers, and leaking vehicle gas tanks may explode or ignite.
- Debris can easily ignite, especially if electrical wires are severed.
- Pools of water and even appliances can be electrically charged.
- Alternative heating devices used incorrectly create fire hazards. Proper use and maintenance can decrease the possibility of a fire.
- Appliances that emit smoke or sparks should be repaired or replaced.
- Generators are often used during power outages. Generators that are not properly used and maintained can be very hazardous.
Plan Ahead
Prepare yourself and your loved ones for all types of hazards. For more information on disasters and how you can prepare, please visit the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Web site.
Adobe Acrobat (PDF)/Other Help
Download
Candle Fires in Residential Structures (PDF, 698 Kb)- Lightning Fires (PDF, 119 Kb)
- The Seasonal Nature of Fires (PDF, 480 Kb)
Related Topics
- Candle Fire Safety
- Electrical Fire Safety
- Heating Fire Safety
- Portable Generator Hazards/Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
- Wildfire: Are You Prepared?
Links of Interest
- American Red Cross (disaster services)
- Consumer Product Safety Commission (portable generator hazards)
- Firewise (wildfire prevention and mitigation)
- National Candle Association (fire safety)
- Ready.gov (preparing Americans for all kinds of emergencies)
Last Reviewed: March 31, 2008
U.S. Fire Administration, 16825 S. Seton Ave., Emmitsburg, MD 21727
(301) 447-1000 Fax: (301) 447-1346 Admissions Fax: (301) 447-1441