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Fire Prevention Month: 5 Ways to Stay Safe from the Statesville Fire Department

Last Updated 1/29/2026 • Posted in Fire News

October is Fire Prevention Month, and the Statesville Fire Department (SFD) is committed to helping our community stay safe at home and in daily life. This year, we’re sharing five important tips you can use to protect your family and prevent fires.

Fall Fire Pit Safety

Cooler fall evenings are perfect for gathering around a fire pit, but safety should always come first. Place your fire pit at least 10 feet from your home, fences, or trees, and set it on a non-flammable surface. Keep a bucket of water or a garden hose nearby, and never leave the fire unattended.

When you’re finished, fully extinguish the flames by dousing them with water and stirring the ashes until they are cool to the touch.

Fire Prevention Day – October 9

Fire Prevention Day is the perfect reminder to check your smoke alarms and test their batteries. Working alarms cut the risk of dying in a home fire nearly in half. The Statesville Fire Department offers free installation of smoke and carbon monoxide alarms for City of Statesville residents.

To learn more or request an installation, visit our Fire Prevention Education page here.

Create a Home Escape Plan + Checklist

A home escape plan is one of the most important ways to prepare your family in case of fire. Draw a map of your home, mark two exits from every room, and agree on a family meeting spot outside.

Practice your plan twice a year so everyone knows what to do.

Learn more about creating a Home Fire Escape Plan from the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) here.

Halloween Safety

Costumes, candles, and decorations can be fun but also pose fire risks. Choose flame-resistant costumes and avoid long, flowing fabric. Use battery-powered candles instead of real flames in pumpkins or decorations. Remind children to stay away from open flames while trick-or-treating, and keep walkways clear of decorations that could block exits.

Kitchen Fire Safety

Cooking continues to be the leading cause of home fires. This October, keep safety in mind while preparing fall favorites. Never leave cooking food unattended, keep flammable items like towels or paper away from the stovetop, and set a reminder if you step away. Have a fire extinguisher nearby, and know how to use it.

Fire Prevention Month is the perfect reminder to take small steps that make a big difference in keeping your family safe. The Statesville Fire Department is here to help - follow us on Facebook here and visit our website here for more safety resources.