Top Tips for Fire Safety by American Red Cross (www.redcross.org)

• Install smoke alarms on every level of your home, inside bedrooms and outside sleeping areas.
• Test smoke alarms every month. If they’re not working, change the batteries.
• Talk with all family members about a fire escape plan and practice the plan twice a year.
• If a fire occurs in your home, GET OUT, STAY OUT and CALL FOR HELP. Never go back inside for anything or anyone.

Install Fire Extinguishers

Fire extinguishers should be kept in the kitchen, garage, and any workshop areas of your home. Similar to smoke detectors, fire extinguishers should be checked regularly to ensure they are working properly.

Create a Home Evacuation Plan with your Family

Make a plan and practice an evacuation drill with your entire family, including your pets! Here are some other tips, that should be reviewed with your family before you face a fire head on:

• Assign one person (an adult or parent) to keep track of the cat or dog, so that everyone isn’t looking for a beloved pet during an emergency.
• Draw an evacuation map so that it’s easy for your little ones to understand what their route will be to get outside. Keep it on the fridge year-round so it’s always top of mind.
• Identify two ways out of each room in your home and make sure the exits are always free of furniture or clutter.
• Establish a family meeting spot outside the home – and remind everyone where it is.

Purchase Evacuation Ladder(s)

If your home has a basement with window wells or is any higher than just a single story, you’ll want fire escape ladders on hand for second-floor bedrooms.

Every homeowner should be armed with knowing what to do to prevent, detect, and have a plan in case of a fire emergency.

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