Vehicle Fire Safety

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It's important to act quickly if a vehicle catches fire. Burning vehicles can quickly trap occupants. Mechanical and electrical issues, along with crashes, are common causes of vehicle fires.

Did you know:

Alternative fuel vehicles pose new and dangerous threats to owners and first responders. Learn about the importance of recognizing a vehicle converted to alternative fuel use and how to stay safe.

Share these messages with your community about what to do if a vehicle catches fire and how to prevent a vehicle fire.

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If your vehicle catches fire

Pull over as quickly as you can when it is safe.

Once you have stopped, turn off the engine.

Get everyone out of the vehicle. Never return to a burning vehicle. Do not try to fight the fire yourself.

If you think there is a fire under the hood or trunk, do not open it. This could cause the fire to grow.

Move everyone at least 100 feet from the burning vehicle and well away from traffic.

Call 911.

To prevent a vehicle fire

Have your vehicle serviced regularly by a trained mechanic.

Keep gas cans or propane tanks away from passengers. Tightly seal and place them on a flat surface to make sure they stay upright.

Keep windows open to stop fumes from building up if you must put gas cans or propane tanks inside your vehicle.

Drive safely to avoid an accident.

Pictographs

Pictographs can help overcome literacy barriers by communicating messages with pictures. Our pictographs will help you to communicate safety messages to high-risk populations.

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