Be the Front Line

Smoke Alarms

• Working smoke alarms cut your risk of dying in a fire in half — test them monthly
• Mount them on the ceiling or high on the wall, outside bedrooms, at the top of open stairways
• Replace alarms every 10 years

Plan Your Escape

• Practice two ways out of every room with the whole family
• Make sure windows open easily and security bars have quick-release latches
• Teach everyone to stay low, where the air is safer
• Pick a family meeting spot outside — and once out, stay out

Electrical

• Replace frayed cords; never run wiring under rugs or across doorways
• Don’t overload outlets — use a UL-listed power strip with a built-in breaker
• Have aging wiring checked by an electrician

Heating & Open Flame

• Keep space heaters at least three feet from anything that can burn
• Have chimneys and heating units inspected and cleaned every year
• Use a fireplace screen; store cooled ashes in a metal container outside, away from the house

Flammable Liquids

• Never use gasoline or similar fuels indoors; store them in approved containers in ventilated areas
• Discard fuel-soaked rags outdoors in a metal container

Smoking & Matches

• Never smoke in bed, or when drowsy or medicated
• Douse butts with water before disposal; use deep, sturdy ashtrays
• Keep matches and lighters locked up high, away from children

Extra Protection

• Sleep with bedroom doors closed — a closed door buys precious minutes
• Keep A-B-C fire extinguishers handy and teach the family to use them