Most of us assume a house fire won’t happen to us. However, house fires are very common. Roughly, there are over 300,000 residential fires in the US annually. Most caused from a pots and pans overheating and splattering grease, heating and electrical issues, and smoking on a sofa or bed. Here are some things you can do to protect your family before a fire hits.

Install Smoke Detectors

Smoke detectors save lives. Everyone should have working smoke detectors installed on every level of your home. The NFPA recommends installing one inside and outside each sleeping area. And smoke alarms should be replaced every 10 years. It’s also important to install smoke detectors that detect carbon monoxide.

Fire Extinguishers

There should be a fire extinguisher on every level of your home, including the basement and garage. And one in the kitchen. Once purchased, read the directions, and become familiar with how they operate, because you won’t have time to learn when a fire breaks out. 

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Plan Your Escape

Before the worst happens, make sure everyone in your family knows how to get out. Make a home fire escape plan, by drawing your home’s floor plan. Find at least two escape routes out of every room in your home…and map them on the drawing.