Install smoke alarms on every level of your home. Test and vacuum monthly. Change batteries twice a year. Replace smoke alarms every ten years.
If smoking materials are used, please use a deep ashtray or smoke outdoors and always ensure smoking material butts are completely extinguished when finished.
Keep all matches and lighters out of reach of children. Instruct children to alert an adult if they locate matches and lighters and not to touch them.
Replace frayed, cracked or otherwise damaged electrical cords.
Never run electrical cords under carpet or rugs.
Keep the stovetop clean and remove any combustible items on or near the stove area.
Never leave cooking food unattended. Turn off the stove if you need to leave the room.
Have chimneys cleaned before use.
Burn only seasoned dry wood to help prevent creosote build-up in chimneys and woodstoves.
Keep combustibles three feet away from any heating appliance or fireplace.
Have your furnace checked and cleaned for proper operation.
Check the clothes dryer vent pipe and ensure lint build-up is removed.
Limit use of extension cords and don't overload electrical circuits.
Keep flammable liquids in tightly sealed containers and store away from sources of heat.
The preceding list is a small sample of fire preventative tips offered by the State Fire Marshal. For more tips and advice on fire safety, contact the Office of the State Fire Marshal at 1-800-525-3124.
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2026 Incidents
Jan
77
Feb
57
Mar
61
Apr
60
May
78
Jun
64
Jul
94
Aug
73
Sep
57
Oct
Nov
Dec
Total
621
Past Incidents
Fire
EMS
2025
671
2024
572
2023
559
518
2022
488
1462
2021
471
1521
2020
455
1072
2019
469
1005
Total
3685
5578
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State Fire Marshal Suggests a Home Fire Prevention Checklist
By Chief Steven Townsend
November 22, 2010
State Fire Marshal William E. Barnard offers Marylanders a valuable fire prevention safety checklist to help stop fires before they occur inside the home. "Let's work together to help prevent residential fires. All Marylanders deserve the safety and security of a good home fire prevention program."
Install smoke alarms on every level of your home. Test and vacuum monthly. Change batteries twice a year. Replace smoke alarms every ten years.
If smoking materials are used, please use a deep ashtray or smoke outdoors and always ensure smoking material butts are completely extinguished when finished.
Keep all matches and lighters out of reach of children. Instruct children to alert an adult if they locate matches and lighters and not to touch them.
Replace frayed, cracked or otherwise damaged electrical cords.
Never run electrical cords under carpet or rugs.
Keep the stovetop clean and remove any combustible items on or near the stove area.
Never leave cooking food unattended. Turn off the stove if you need to leave the room.
Have chimneys cleaned before use.
Burn only seasoned dry wood to help prevent creosote build-up in chimneys and woodstoves.
Keep combustibles three feet away from any heating appliance or fireplace.
Have your furnace checked and cleaned for proper operation.
Check the clothes dryer vent pipe and ensure lint build-up is removed.
Limit use of extension cords and don't overload electrical circuits.
Keep flammable liquids in tightly sealed containers and store away from sources of heat.
The preceding list is a small sample of fire preventative tips offered by the State Fire Marshal. For more tips and advice on fire safety, contact the Office of the State Fire Marshal at 1-800-525-3124.
