Fire Safety
Home Fire Safety Essentials

Smoke Alarms/Detectors

  • Install smoke alarms on every level of your home, including the basement, and both inside and outside your bedroom(s)
  • Should be mounted on the ceiling at least 4" from any walls or on the wall 4" to 12" from the ceiling
  • Test your smoke alarms monthly by pushing the test button either by using a ladder or with a broom handle
  • Change the batteries at least twice a year — pick a date (daylight savings, holiday, birthday, etc.)
  • Keep the smoke alarms clean by vacuum over and around them
  • If you have a "hard wired" smoke alarm you should also have a battery type smoke alarm.

Home Fire Escape Plan

  • Draw a floor plan of your home and show two (2) ways out of every room
  • Make sure the all exits are clear and that windows open easily
  • Agree on an outside meeting place in front of your home
  • Conduct fire drills, PRACTICE your home fire escape plan with your family
  • Once outside STAY outside until it is safe to return inside

Carbon Monoxide (CO) Detector

  • Install CO detectors on every level of your home, inside and outside every bedroom
  • Detectors should be mounted according to the manufacturer recommendations
  • Install a CO detector at least 15' - 20' away from any heating or cooking appliance
  • Detector should be powered by battery or a combo type that is powered by electricity with batery back-up
  • Test your detector monthly and keep it clean by vacuum over and around it
  • Change the battery once a year

Portable Fire Extinguisher

  • Have at least one fire extinguisher located in the escape route
  • Have an extinguishjer near the kitchen area and the garage in easy reach
  • The fire extinguisher should be a multipurpose type that can be used on Class A, B, & C type fires
  • The extinguisher should be in working order and charged
  • Know how to operate the fire extinguisher, read the instructions
  • Always keep your back to the exit while using the extinguisher
  • Remember the word PASS: Pull the pin, Aim low, Squeeze the lever, Sweep the nozzle side-to-side

Fire Escape Ladder (for two-story homes)

  • Should be in every bedroom that is on the second floor
  • Should only be used when escaping into the hallway (1st way out) is impassable by smoke and/or heat
  • Everyone that might have to use one should practice using it

 


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