Decorating & Design
October 13, 2022
Fire Safety Tips To Protect Your Home And Family
October is Fire Prevention Month — a time dedicated to improving your home’s fire safety plan. First Alert has plenty of helpful tips on fire safety, plus a variety of products to help protect you and your loved ones. Visit First Alert to learn more about fire safety products, which include fire extinguishers and smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, and tips.
Fire Safety Tip #1: Place Smoke Alarms On Every Level & Every Bedroom
The National Fire Prevention Association (NFPA) recommends placing a smoke alarm on every level, including the basement, and in every bedroom. Placement of your smoke alarms is equally important. Position your smoke alarms on the ceiling, away from corners, vents and fans, or 12 inches below the ceiling if placed on the wall.
Fire Safety Tip #2: Testing, Testing… Are Your Alarms Working?
Smoke alarms are on duty 24/7 and don’t last forever. Test all smoke alarms regularly, and if you have battery-powered alarms, remember to replace the batteries every six months.
For convenient protection, install 10-year sealed battery smoke alarms. The First Alert Smoke Alarm with 10-Year Battery has a sleek, contemporary design and is easy to install. Plus, the 10-year battery eliminates the need for battery replacements for a decade – but make sure you still test it regularly!
Fire Safety Tip #3: Equip Your Home With Fire Extinguishing Devices
The first step in helping protect your family from fire hazards is being prepared. Fight accidental fires by equipping your home with a fire extinguishing device. Fire extinguishers are rated to fight different types of fires in the home: fabric, paper, wood, grease, and electrical.
The First Alert EZ Fire Spray is a great option for an at-home fire extinguishing device and is easy to use – just point and spray. This lightweight can is small but powerful, discharging four times longer than traditional extinguishers. The compact design is the perfect fit for anywhere from your kitchen cabinet to your garage. Just remember to keep it within arms reach!
Fire Safety Tip #4: Get Comfortable Using A Fire Extinguisher
Equipping your home with fire extinguishing devices is step one, but knowing how to use them is equally as important. An easy way to remember how to use a traditional fire extinguisher is with the acronym PASS: Pull the pin. Hold the extinguisher with the nozzle pointing away from you and release the locking mechanism. Aim low. Point the extinguisher at the base of the fire. Squeeze the lever slowly and evenly. Sweep the nozzle from side-to-side.
Fire Safety Tip #5: Get The Whole Family Involved
Fire safety is a conversation for family members of all ages. Involve the entire family in planning and practicing a fire safety plan. To create a fire escape plan, draw a map of your home’s layout and identify multiple exits out of every room. Practice your emergency escape plan at least twice a year, day and night, so that everyone is comfortable and familiar with the plan and escape routes.
First Alert makes it easy. Click here to use First Alert’s custom worksheet and prepare your fire escape plan.