The most effective way to protect yourself and prevent home fires is to identify and remove potential fire hazards. Start with these tips to help reduce risks and increase your preparedness.
• Install smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors on every level of your home. Test them once a month to ensure they’re working properly.
• Replace batteries in smoke alarms at least once a year. Install a new battery if an alarm chirps.
• Keep a fire extinguisher in a convenient location on every floor of your home. Make sure it works and you know how to use it.
• Talk with all family members about a fire safety plan and home fire prevention. Practice escaping from your home at least twice a year.
• Ensure all household members know two ways to escape from every room of your home.
• Never leave candles burning unattended.
• Stay in the kitchen when grilling, frying or broiling food.
• Keep anything that can catch fire (like towels or potholders) away from the stove.
• Store matches and lighters in a safe place away from children and sources of heat.
• Keep furniture, clothing and other flammable materials at least three feet away from space heaters and any type of heat source.
• Have your heating system serviced by a professional, including chimneys from wood-burning fireplaces.
• Ensure wood stoves are installed properly.
• Keep firewood, brush and piles of leaves away from your home.