MAKING YOUR HOME SAFE
Regarding all safety equipment and hazard detection devices, make sure that all equipment is approved and certified by a nationally recognized testing institute, such as Underwriters Laboratory (UL). Always follow the manufacture’s instructions for proper use, installation, maintenance and testing procedures.
SMOKE DETECTORS
- Have a minimum of one (1) smoke detector for each level of your home (including the cellar) and outside each sleeping area.
- Test each detector on a monthly basis.
- Replace all batteries twice a year or sooner if power is low. Develop a schedule, choosing the same days, such as New Years Day/4th of July, the days we move the clocks forward/backward, etc.
CARBON MONOXIDE DETECTORS
- Have at least one (1) Carbon Monoxide (CO) detector in your home, preferably near sleeping areas.
- Do not place a CO detector in a garage, furnace room, near a stove or fireplace.
- They should be kept away from open windows or doors, excessively hot, cold, or damp areas and ‘dead-air spaces’ such as corners of rooms and peaks of ceilings.
- Be able to differentiate between the alarm sounds of your Smoke and Carbon Monoxide detectors.
- Set up a power detection schedule, as with your smoke detectors
FIRE EXTINGUISHERS
- Have at least (1) multi-purpose (ABC) fire extinguisher located near an escape path.
- Ensure that the fire extinguisher is cared for and maintained properly.
- Ensure everyone understands how to properly and safely use it. Even though extinguishers come in a number of shapes and sizes, they all operate in a similar manner. Here's an easy acronym for fire extinguisher use: PASS (Pull, aim, squeeze and sweep).
- Recharge all fire extinguishers immediately after use, regardless of how much they were used.
FIRE ESCAPE PLAN
- Have at lease two (2) escape paths from each room, a primary and an alternate. Never use an elevator in case of a fire.
- Practice your plan at least twice a year.
- Make sure everyone can easily unlock and open doors utilized in the escape plan.
- If you must go through a smoky area, crawl. The coolest, cleanest air will be about 18” off the ground
- Designate a family meeting area located a safe distance from the house.
- Safely leave the building before contacting the fire department. Never return into a burning structure.
