Keeping Your Home Safe from… Fires

Smoke Alarms
The majority of home fire deaths happen at night, most often from smoke and poisonous gases, not the fire itself. Install smoke alarms on every level of your home, including the basement and workshop, and outside all sleeping areas. For extra protection, consider installing a smoke alarm in every bedroom.

Home Escape Plan
Most people underestimate how fast a fire spreads. You may have as little as two minutes to get your family to safety. Plan and practice exactly what to do in advance. Have at least two exits from every room and a meeting place outside the home. Conduct a home fire drill with everyone in your household at least twice a year.

Fire Extinguishers
A multipurpose dry chemical Class ABC fire extinguisher is the best choice for general home use. Mount the extinguisher on a bracket on the wall near an exit so that anyone using it can escape from the room if a fire spreads. Periodically check the gauge to make sure it has pressure. All adult occupants of the home must know when and how to use the extinguisher properly. Courtesy of PATH www.pathnet.org/homeowners