Every home faces the risk of a fire occurring and it’s essential to educate your household on fire safety. From installing fire alarms to creating an escape plan, here’s how to protect your family and house from a potential fire. 

How To Practice Fire Safety At Home

Get The Right Equipment

• Smoke Detectors: Installing a fire alarm system with smoke detectors is the most important way to protect your family. Place a detector in every bedroom, with at least one on every floor, including the basement. Replace the batteries once a year and whenever there’s a low battery signal. Replace each alarm every 10 years–earlier if the “test” button fails. 
• Fire Extinguishers: Use a fire extinguisher for small, contained fires, such as one that occurs in a pot on your stove. Place an extinguisher on each floor of your home and in fire-prone areas like the kitchen and garage.
• Escape Ladders: If your home has more than one level, invest in an escape ladder. Ensure they’ve been load tested for at least 1,000 pounds and contain standoffs–protrusions that keep them stable against walls. Place a ladder in each occupied room above the first story. If you have a basement with window wells, get a window well escape ladder. 

Consider installing home fire sprinklers to reduce flames and smoke in the event of a fire. Fire-retardant blankets also give you a chance to smother smaller fires before they intensify. 

Know What to Do During a Fire

Even with the most effective equipment, your family still needs to know what steps to take if a fire breaks out. Draw a map of your home and identify emergency exits such as the front and back door. Designate a primary escape route along with backup routes in case one becomes obstructed. Place the map on your refrigerator and practice navigating the escape routes at least twice a year.

During the drills, go over steps to take in case of a fire: 

• Call the fire department.
• If the fire is small and contained, try extinguishing it. 
• Help the most vulnerable members of your household escape first, such as babies, children, people with disabilities, and the elderly.
• Crawl along the floor to avoid smoke. Because smoke rises, the air is more breathable lower to the ground. Continue crawling to the closest exit. 
• Before opening doors, test how hot the knobs are with the back of your hand.
• Once outside, stay at least 75 feet away from your home. 

Protect your family with a high-quality fire alarm system from Tempo Fire and Security LLC. For more than 35 years, their experienced team has offered state-of-the-art fire safety and home security systems to Harrison, AR, and the surrounding areas. Learn more about their services online, and call (870) 741-1331 to discuss your needs with a friendly team member.