Protect your family and home
from the dangers of
smoke and fire

Almost 3,500 lives are lost each year
from smoke and fire

Fire can wipe out everything in its path in minutes. It can smolder undetected for hours, then suddenly explode in fiery destruction. It is vital to respond quickly to residential smoke alarms once an alert has been sounded.

It's essential to take every possible precaution to
minimize the risks of fire.

The tips below can help keep your family and home safe from fire.

• Make a fire escape plan for your family, and practice it at least once a year.
• Find at least one exit out of every room, and select a place to meet outside.
• Ensure that all family members know how to use a fire extinguisher.
  
  
• Install both ionization and photoelectric-type smoke alarms in every room of your home for the optimal detection and notification protection.
• Test smoke detectors monthly and change batteries once a year, whether they are dead or not.
  
  

• Use the correct light bulb wattage as instructed on the light fixture, as higher wattage bulbs can degrade the wires in and around the fixture.
• Minimize the use of extension cords, specifically using extension cords to power room air conditioners.
• Do not over-plug electrical outlets.
  
  
• Post your home address prominently to ensure that firefighters can find your house if a residential fire alarm is triggered.
• Arrange for a trained service technician to inspect and service home heating systems (including chimneys and vents).
• Store firewood and other combustibles away from your home.
• Maintain your landscape to eliminate dead vegetation that could catch fire and use fire-resistant plants.
• Never leave a dryer running while not home, as a clogged exhaust hose can spark and start a fire.
• Charcoal or gas grills should never be brought into the house or garage for cooking or heating.