Check those smoke alarms — and 10 other life-saving tips

Posted Feb 18, 2020, 3:30 PM

For the best protection, install smoke alarms on every level of your home and in every sleeping area.
Teach kids never to play with matches, lighters or fireworks.
Create and practice a home fire escape plan with two ways out of your home in case of a fire. Use a watch to time how fast your family gets out.
Children should know how to respond to the sound of a smoke alarm. Teach them to get low and get out when they hear it.
Use common sense in the kitchen. Limit distractions when cooking and don't leave a hot oven or stove top unattended.
Make sure your home has a carbon monoxide alarm. As with smoke alarms, install a carbon monoxide alarm on every level of your home, especially near sleeping areas, and keep them away from fuel-burning appliances.
Carbon monoxide alarms are not substitutes for smoke alarms or vice versa. Combination smoke and carbon monoxide alarms are available.
Don't use a grill or generator inside your home, garage or by a window.
If you need a warm vehicle, remove it from the garage immediately after starting it. Don't leave an engine running inside a garage.
If using a gasoline-powered device, store gasoline in a locked location where children can't get to it. Keep only small quantities in an approved container with child safety features.
Keep gasoline away from sources of heat, spark or flame. Even common household appliances, such as water heaters and clothes dryers, can start a gasoline fire.

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