Home Safety
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Smoke alarms save lives. Install a smoke alarm outside each sleeping area and on each additional level of your home.
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If people sleep with doors closed, install smoke alarms inside sleeping areas too.
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Use the test button to check each smoke alarm once a month. When necessary, replace batteries immediately. Replace all batteries at least once a year.
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Vacuum away cobwebs and dust from your smoke alarms monthly.
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Smoke alarms become less sensitive over time. Replace your smoke alarms every ten years.
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Consider having one or more working fire extinguishers in your home. Get training from the fire department on how to use them.
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Consider installing an automatic fire sprinkler system in your home.
Plan Your Escape Routes
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Determine at least two ways to escape from every room of your home.
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Consider escape ladders for sleeping areas on the second or third floor. Learn how to use them and store them near the window.
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Select a location outside your home where everyone should meet after evacuating such as a specific location in a neighbor’s yard.
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Practice your escape plan at least twich a year.
Escape Safely
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Once you are out, stay out! Call the fire department from a neighbor’s home.
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If you see smoke or fire in your first escape route, use your second way out. If you must exit through smoke, crawl low under the smoke to your exit.
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If you are escaping through a closed door, feel the door before opening it. If it is warm, use your second way out.
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If smoke, heat or flames block your exit routes, stay in the room with the door closed. Signal for help using a bright-colored cloth at the window. If there is a telephone in the room, call the fire department and tell them where you are.
Source: American Red Cross
