How To Practice Fire Safety in the Home

Contact your local fire department to learn how and when to use a fire extinguisher. Once you’ve been trained, install fire extinguishers on each level of your home, and follow the directions to check their pressure level and parts five or six times a year to make sure they’re working.

If you have a second floor, keep an emergency ladder that you can use to exit through the windows in an easily accessible location.

Check the windows periodically to make sure you can open them easily. Never paint them shut.

Meet with the members of your household to formulate a plan in case of fire. Agree on a signal you will use to alert each other in case of fire.

Plan possible escape routes. It’s best to create a diagram that illustrates the best possible routes out of your home. The best escape plans include two escape routes for each room: one through a door, and the other through a window to an adjacent roof or fire escape.

If you live in a high-rise building, there should be escape routes posted in a common area. Take the time to familiarize yourself with these escape routes and exits.

Designate one or more people to be responsible for evacuating infants and young children, the elderly, pets, or anyone else requiring assistance. Senior citizens should consider sleeping on the first level of the home for easier escape.

Make sure you have a quick way to call for help. Clearly post all emergency numbers in a prominent spot near each phone in your home, and program your local fire department’s direct number into your cell phone.