A home fire can spread in minutes. Being prepared ahead of time — and knowing what to do — can save lives. Simple precautions and planning make all the difference.
Install smoke alarms in every bedroom, outside each sleeping area, and on every level of your home — including the basement.
Install carbon monoxide (CO) alarms near sleeping areas and fuel-burning appliances.
Test alarms monthly, replace batteries once a year, and replace the entire alarm every 10 years.
Never disable or remove batteries from an alarm to stop a false alarm — find and fix the cause instead.
Know two ways out of every room, if possible, and make sure all exits are clear and easy to open.
Designate an outside meeting place (like a tree or mailbox) where everyone will gather after escaping.
Practice your escape plan at least twice a year — once during the day and once at night.
Teach children how to get out safely and never to hide from firefighters.
Keep anything that can burn at least three feet away from fireplaces, space heaters, and candles.
Blow out candles before leaving a room or going to sleep.
Never leave cooking food unattended — stand by your pan.
Store matches and lighters out of reach of children.
Keep fire extinguishers on every level of your home, especially in the kitchen, garage, and near heating sources.
Learn how to use a fire extinguisher with the P.A.S.S. method — Pull, Aim, Squeeze, and Sweep.
If smoke alarms sound, get out and stay out — never go back inside for belongings.
Once safely outside, call 9-1-1 from a cell phone or neighbor’s house and give your full address, phone number, and township.