How to Protect Your Family from a Fire

Smoke alarms provide vital early warning of fire danger.

• Install a smoke alarm in every room including basements and finished attics, in each bedroom and hallways outside of every sleeping area, and at the top and bottom of stairways.
• Make sure everyone knows what the smoke alarm sounds like.
• Test your smoke alarms frequently and change the batteries as needed.
• Replace your smoke alarms every 10 years.

Fire extinguishers can create a pathway to safety.

• Keep an extinguisher in every part of your home where fire might occur-especially in the kitchen, living room and laundry room.
• Read the instructions and know how to use your extinguishers before a fire breaks out.
• The only time a fire extinguisher should be used to fight a fire is when
  the fire is small
  self-contained
  not spreading rapidly
  the fire department has been notified
  there is a clear exit behind the person using the extinguisher
  and the extinguisher is used to create a safe pathway out of the home.
• Respect all fires, regardless of size. Fire extinguishers are one part of a fire response plan. The main objective is safe escape.
• Replace your fire extinguishers every 12 years.

Prepare and practice a home escape plan.

Practice two ways out of every room to mimic the most difficult fire situation you might encounter. Be sure to practice your escape plan during the day and at night.
Assign an adult to wake and assist each child in the house. Also consider lending extra help to family members who are physically challenged or elderly.
Identify a meeting place outside the home.
Practice, practice, practice—at least twice every year.