• Working smoke detectors must be installed and operable on each level of the home to include the kitchen area 

• Even if your smoke detectors are wired directly to your home’s electrical system, properly functioning battery backups must be in place and checked regularly 

           o Check/replace batteries every six months 

           o Consider installing smoke detectors that have 10-year batteries 

• All smoke detectors expire after 10years and must be replaced; refer to the date located on the smoke detector to determine this date 

• An ABC approved hand-held fire extinguisher is required in your kitchen for cooking-related fires. Be sure that you are familiar with the manufacturer’s operating instructions

CREATE, SHARE, AND PRACTICE A FIRE ESCAPE PLAN 

• Be sure your fire escape plan includes two ways out of every room 

• Designate one person to get infants and children out safely. Include a backup plan if the designated person is overcome by smoke

• Smoke is toxic – teach children to ‘get low and go’ if there is smoke present when evacuating the premises 

• Feel the door, doorknob, and cracks around the door with the back of your hand to determine if they are hot and fire is present on the otherside 

• Choose a meeting spot outside that is a safe distance from your home 

• Be sure that all keys are in or visibly near deadbolt locks and security doors 

• Be sure that no windows have been painted closed and are unable to be quickly opened from the inside

IF YOU ARE TRAPPED INDOORS 

• If you cannot safely escape, keep smoke out of the room by covering all vents and cracks around the door and call 911 IMMEDIATELY; signal for help from the window with a flashlight or light-colored cloth FLAMMABLE MATERIALS 

• Space heaters must be kept at least three feet away from anything that can burn. Always closely supervise children and pets when the heater is in use 

• Always turn off space heaters when you leave the room 

• Keep all matches and lighters in a safe place, inaccessible to children