Thank you First Alert for sponsoring this post.

October is fire prevention month, so there’s no better time than now for a quick whole home safety checklist refresh! With the cooler months ahead, many will be putting their home fire places to use, so it’s more important than ever to make sure your family is protected and has a fire safety plan in place. Gather your family to discuss your plan and complete this easy home safety checklist!

HOME SAFETY CHECKLIST

Install Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarms

It is recommended to install smoke and carbon monoxide (CO) alarms on every level of the home, in every bedroom. Alarms are on duty 24/7 to help keep you safe! The easiest way to do so is with a combination alarm like the First Alert Combination Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Alarm with 10-Year Sealed Battery. You can find First Alert fire safety products at Lowe’s. 

Friendly Reminder: Test alarms regularly. Almost 3 out of 5 home fire deaths occur in homes with no smoke alarms or no working smoke alarms (NFPA). Do not remove alarms or the batteries without replacing them!

Change Alarm Batteries Every 6 Months

Smoke & CO alarm batteries should be replaced every 6 months. However, a convenient option that eliminates the need for battery replacements is the Combination Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Alarm with 10-Year Sealed Battery. This eliminates the need for recurring battery changes! However, be sure to replace alarms at least every 10 years.

Plan and Practice An Escape Plan

Gather your family to plan and practice your emergency escape plan at least twice a year. The best way to do this is to draw a map of your home and identify 2 exits out of each room. Then, designate an outside meeting spot that’s a safe distance away from your home, such as a tree, mailbox, neighbor’s house, etc. Once your family is safely out of the home and at your meeting spot, call 911.

Place Fire Extinguishers on Every Level of the Home

Fire extinguishers should be placed on every level of the home, and also common areas such as the kitchen, laundry room, garage, and by any grills for cooking. The Rechargeable Home Fire Extinguisher is an easy-to-use option that’s ideal for common household fires. 

Friendly Reminder: The #1 cause of home fires is unattended cooking, so make sure you have an extinguisher within reach that you know how to use (NFPA).

Remember How to Use a Fire Extinguisher with P.A.S.S: 

1. 1. P – Pull the pin 
   2. A- Aim the nozzle at the base of the fire 
   3. S- Squeeze the trigger  
   4. S- Sweep from side to side  

 

Does your family have a fire safety plan in place? Pin this home safety checklist to help others become aware!