| It is common for homeowners to check their fire | | | | general items like: |
| and smoke detectors in the spring and the fall | | | | * battery changes for all alarms and carbon |
| when the time changes. As that time approaches, | | | | monoxide detectors on the day or weekend that |
| there are other things that can be done in your | | | | the time changes |
| home to make it and your family safer. There | | | | * working smoke alarms near the bedrooms |
| are numerous inexpensive and potentially life | | | | * working smoke alarms on every level |
| saving precautions that can be taken, starting | | | | * smoke alarms are cleaned regularly and tested |
| today, to prevent a fire in your home. | | | | once a month |
| The International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) | | | | * portable fire extinguishers are available and all |
| states that working smoke alarms cut the risk of | | | | family members know how to use them |
| dying in a house fire because they provide an | | | | * make a home escape plan and practice it |
| early warning and give persons extra seconds to | | | | regularly |
| get out of the home. Even though 96 percent of | | | | Other items on a checklist should include checking |
| homes have at least one smoke alarm, 19 | | | | for heating hazards: |
| percent have at least one smoke alarm that does | | | | * combustible items such as clothes and curtains |
| not work properly, usually due to missing or dead | | | | should be away from heaters and stoves |
| batteries. Using the time change that occurs twice | | | | * test heating units every year |
| a year in most parts of the country to remind | | | | * heating devices should be Underwriters |
| you to change your batteries is a smart move to | | | | Laboratories (UL) approved |
| make and may save your life. | | | | * install carbon monoxide detectors on every level |
| It is not only a good time to change your smoke | | | | and outside of the bedrooms |
| alarm batteries but also a time to learn about fire | | | | Using this checklist can help to ensure that you |
| safety in general. Comprise a home fire safety | | | | have done all of the simple and affordable things |
| checklist. It only takes a few minutes and will | | | | you can to keep you and your family safe from |
| immediately make your home and family safer. | | | | a fire in your home. |
| Some of the things you can list on a checklist are | | | | |