#1 Develop a Fire Safety Plan for you and your family and PRACTICE IT

“Be Rescue Ready” before the emergency happens!

 

#2 Install smoke detectors on every floor of your home, in hallways, and bedrooms.

And test them regularly. Early warning increases your chances of survival exponentially.

 

#3 Change the batteries in your smoke detectors every 6 months and replace them every 10 years.

DO NOT get in the habit of borrowing batteries from your smoke detectors or disabling nuisance detectors, REPLACE THEM!

 

#4 Install Carbon Monoxide detectors on every floor of your home if you have fuel-burning appliances.

65% of carbon monoxide poisoning deaths from consumer products are due to heating systems. According to industry surveys, only half of American homes have CO detectors.

 

#5 Keep chimneys clear of animal nests, leaves, and residue to ensure proper venting.

 

#6 Do not use ovens or stoves to heat your home.

 

Kitchen ovens were never designed for heating homes, only for cooking food.

 

#7 Buy and learn how to properly use a Fire Extinguisher.

Stand at least five feet away from the fire and follow the simple mnemonic “PASS” from the NFPA that can help when every second counts:

• P – Pull the pin and hold the extinguisher with the nozzle pointing away from you.
• A – Aim low at the base of the fire.
• S – Squeeze the lever slowly and evenly to discharge the extinguishing agent.
• S – Sweep the nozzle from side to side, moving carefully toward the fire. Keep the extinguisher aimed at the base of the fire.

 

#8 Sleep with your door closed!

According to a recent survey by the Safety Science Organization UL, nearly 60% of people sleep with their bedroom doors open. Sleeping with your door closed could mean the difference between life and death if a house fire occurs. Not only does this reduce toxic smoke but it can also inhibit the spread of flames and decrease the temperature.

 

#9 Extinguish all candles when leaving the room or going to sleep.

Keep candles away from items that can catch fire and out of reach of children. Also, keep all matches and lighters stored in a place where children cannot get to them!

 

#10 Have fun with campfires, but maintain safety rules.

Never leave a campfire unattended, be sure to have water handy nearby, and keep an eye on the wind!

 

Bonus Tip!

The NFPA urges you to have two ways out of every room! If the doors are blocked, that means the windows are your only chance of survival! Be prepared with a Rescue Ready Fire Escape Ladder in each bedroom on the upper floors.