Safety Made Simple

How to Protect Your Family from a Fire

Follow 3 simple steps to a safer home:

Step 1 -  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. Need help choosing a fire extinguisher?
  • 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.
  • Inspect your fire extinguisher gauge monthly and replace your extinguisher if the gauge reads empty (see illustration below); replace any fire extinguisher more than 12 years old regardless of the gauge reading.
  • For more information on maintaining and using a fire extinguisher, download Kidde's Fire Extinguisher Fact Sheet.


  • Inspect your fire extinguisher gauge monthly, Replace your extinguisher every 12 years

Fire extinguishers can easy to find online or at your local store. Know you're safe - install Kidde fire extinguishers today.

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Step 2 - 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. Need help choosing a smoke alarm?
  • 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.

    Replace your smoke alarms every 10 years

Smoke alarms are easy to find online or at your local store. Know you're safe - install Kidde smoke alarms today.

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Step 3 - 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.