10/02/2026
🚒🔥 OCTOBER IS FIRE PREVENTION MONTH! 🔥🚒
A fire can change everything in just a few minutes. Are YOU and your family prepared?
This October, the Bagley MN Fire Department wants to remind everyone that fire prevention starts at home. Taking a few minutes today to prepare could make all the difference when seconds count.
🏠PROTECT YOUR HOME & FAMILY:
🚨 CHECK YOUR SMOKE ALARMS
• Have working smoke alarms inside every bedroom, outside sleeping areas, and on every level of your home.
• Test them regularly.
• Replace alarms when they reach 10 years old.
• Never disable a smoke alarm because of nuisance alarms.
🔥 HAVE A HOME FIRE ESCAPE PLAN
• Know TWO ways out of every room, whenever possible.
• Make sure doors and windows can be opened easily.
• Choose a safe meeting place outside your home.
• Make sure EVERYONE in the household knows the plan.
• Practice your escape plan—don't wait until an emergency to figure it out.
🚪 CLOSE THE DOOR!
If a fire starts, close doors behind you as you escape. A closed door can help slow the spread of fire and smoke. If you can't get out, close the door, call 911, and signal for help.
🍳 PAY ATTENTION IN THE KITCHEN
Cooking is a leading source of home fires. Never leave cooking unattended, keep anything that can burn away from the stovetop, and keep children away from hot appliances.
🔥 HEATING SAFETY
As the temperatures drop here in Minnesota, make sure heating equipment is ready for the season. Keep anything that can burn at least 3 feet away from heat sources, and have heating equipment inspected and maintained as recommended.
🔌 ELECTRICAL & BATTERY SAFETY
Don't overload outlets or power strips. Inspect cords for damage and use chargers and batteries according to the manufacturer's instructions.
🕯️ CANDLES & OPEN FLAMES
Never leave candles or other open flames unattended. Keep them away from anything that can burn—and away from children and pets.
đź§Ż KNOW YOUR EXTINGUISHER
Have the right type of fire extinguisher available and make sure adults in your household know where it is and how to use it. If a fire is growing or you aren't comfortable fighting it, get out!
🚨 IF A FIRE HAPPENS: GET OUT & STAY OUT!
Don't stop to grab belongings. Don't go back inside for pets, phones, wallets, or anything else.
Once you're safely outside, call 911. Give the dispatcher your address and tell them what is happening. Make sure your house number is clearly visible from the road so emergency responders can find you quickly.
⏱️ REMEMBER: FIRE IS FAST.
You may have less than two minutes to escape once a smoke alarm sounds. Every second matters.
❤️ Fire prevention isn't just about protecting your house. It's about protecting the people inside it.
Take a few minutes this October to:
âś… Test your smoke alarms
âś… Check your fire extinguishers
âś… Create or review your escape plan
âś… Pick an outside meeting place
âś… Practice your fire drill
âś… Talk to your kids about what to do
âś… Make sure everyone knows how to call 911
From all of us at the Bagley MN Fire Department: Please take fire prevention seriously, stay safe, and look out for your family, your neighbors, and our community.
đźš’ BE PREPARED. IT CAN SAVE LIVES.
#911