"In Case of Fire": Safety Devices for Your Home

The threat of a house fire can be very scary.  But there are ways that you can be alerted in case of a fire and get yourself and your family out of the house safely.  Although each one of these protective measures are effective by itself, ideally you should have all of them in place.

Smoke detectors. Most homes have smoke detectors, and if yours doesn’t, your local fire department may be able to get one for you. Some models also come equipped with a CO detector which can give you added security.  Professionals advise checking the batteries in your smoke detector twice a year (switching the clocks is standard practice for many of us), but if it slips your mind, the device will start chirping like a bird or make another irritating noise signaling that it’s time for new batteries!

Fire extinguishers. You should have a fire extinguisher in your kitchen should a grease fire break out or you have electrical problem with one of your appliances, and it’s also a good idea to keep one in the basement in case something goes haywire with your washer or dryer. There are several different makes and models on the market; this site explains the different types available and how to use them.  

CO detectors. According to the National Fire Protection Association’s website, carbon monoxide is an “odorless, colorless gas created when fuels burn incompletely.  In the home, heating and cooking equipment that burn fuel are potential sources of carbon monoxide.” Carbon monoxide poisoning has been called a silent killer, and these fumes can be lurking in your home without you even realizing it. Fire safety professionals recommend installing detectors right outside of sleeping areas and testing them once a month.

   

Fire escape plan. It is important that your family establish an escape plan, and hopefully you never need to use it! Everyone in the family should know two ways out of every room, and you should agree on a meeting place outside should anyone get separated. Fire safety professionals suggest reviewing the plan every six months so everyone in the family gets a refresher and remembers what they are supposed to do and where they are supposed to meet.

Are all of the above components in your home fire safety plan?  Is there anything else you would add? We’d love to hear from you in the comments below!