Home Safety Tips

Fire Safety - What to do if your fire alarm sounds

If the smoke Alarm sounds , GET OUT AND STAY OUT

If you have to escape thru smoke GET LOW and GO UNDER THE SMOKE

Go to a safe meeting place and call the fire department

Plan Ahead see our article on fire drills

Fire Safety - Things to know and what to do to plan Ahead

Draw a plan of your home showing all doors and windows. Try to find at least two ways out of every room. Make sure that the windows open easily. Discuss this plan with everyone in your house.

Plan a meeting place a safe distance away. At a tree or light, or near a mail box

Practice your plan twice a year using different ways to get out and at different times of the day.

Teach children how to escape by themselves

Close doors behind you as you leave

Children under the age of five are naturally curious about fire. They play with matches and lighters if given the chance. Educate your children that fire is not a toy. 

Practice an escape plan from every room in the house. Caution everyone to stay low to the floor when escaping from fire and never to open doors that are hot. Select a location where everyone can meet after escaping the house. Get out then call for help.

Do not overload circuits or extension cords! Do not run cords and wires under rugs, over nails or in high traffic areas. If an appliance sputters, sparks or emits an unusual smell immediately unplug it. Take the appliance to a profession repair shop or replace it.

Smoke alarms can be found at any hardware or discount store. It is low cost protection for you and your family. Make sure a smoke alarm is on every level of your home. A working smoke alarm can highly increase your chances of survival. Test the smoke alarms monthly, keep them free of dust and ensure to replace the battery at least once a year. Smoke alarms themselves should be replaced after ten years of service, or as recommended by the manufacturer.