These simple yet effective strategies for preparing your family in the event of a blaze at home are essential to everyone's safety.
1 Have ample extinguishers available.
The best extinguisher is an easy-to-handle 2- or 5-pound model designed for homes. Place one in your kitchen and one in any other room with combustibles.
2 Always go to sleep with bedroom doors closed.
Closed doors can keep smoke from spreading into these rooms, allowing you more time to escape.
3 Install a hearth screen.
And have your chimney and flue cleaned at least once a year.
4 Maintain the kitchen stove.
Always keep your stove maintained in good working condition, and keep baking soda on hand to extinguish stove-top blazes.
5 In the garage, disconnect electrical tools and appliances when you're finished using them.
And while you're at it, consider doing the same for appliances in your home when not in use.
6 Secure important papers in water- and flame-proof strongboxes.
Better yet: Put them in a safe-deposit box off-site.
7 Consider purchasing escape ladders.
These are a must-have for top-story bedrooms.
8 Practice drills with your family.
This is the most important thing you can do to ensure your family's safety - have a quick plan for evacuation in place that every family member knows by heart.
For an in-depth look at home safety, check out the Federal Emergency Management's (FEMA) guide
Are You Ready for a Disaster?
A Fire-Safe Home: 8 Tips.
