10 Fire Prevention Tips for your Home

If the smoke alarm goes off in your home, do you and your family have a fire escape plan?

Fire departments respond to approximately 370,000 home fires every year. And, while not all home fires are preventable, creating a fire-prevention plan can reduce the risk of fire in your home.

Check out the home fire prevention tips below to keep your home and family safe.

1. Sweep the chimney. Do this yearly to prevent the buildup of flammable creosote.

2. Install Smoke detectors. Place a smoke detector on every floor and in or near every bedroom. Make sure to test the batteries regularly and change them every six months.

3. Plan Fire escapes. Keep roll-out ladders near each window above the first floor for a safe escape in case of fire.

4. Be careful with space heaters. Place space heaters at least 3 feet away from other objects.

5. Use a Safe. Protect irreplaceable items and important documents in a safe with an Underwriters Laboratory Rating of 125 or above.

6. Use a surge protector on electrical outlets. Use one surge protector per wall outlet to protect your electrical system and electronics.

7. Consider battery-operated candles. Rather than burning real candles, try battery-operated ones instead. If you do burn real candles, never leave them unattended.

8. Keep an eye on the stove. Don’t leave a hot stove while cooking. Stay in the kitchen, and avoid trying to multitask while cooking a meal.

9. Maintain your Fire extinguisher. Keep a working fire extinguisher in the kitchen, and replace it as often as the manufacturer recommends.

10. Practice Fire Drills. Run practice fire drills with your family to ensure that everyone knows which exits to use in an emergency.