Plan Your Escape - Be Prepared

There's no question about it - smoke alarms help save lives. Everyone should plan an escape route from their home and practice fire drills. Below is a list of things to do in order to accomplish that goal:

• Draw a floor plan of your home.
• Determine two safe ways to reach the outside of your home.
• Arrange a meeting place outside for those who live in your home in case of a fire or an emergency.
• Hold a fire drill at least every 6 months
• Test all smoke alarms once a month and replace batteries when you change the time on your clocks.
• Make sure the fire department knows if someone in your home will need help getting out in an emergency.
• If you suspect a fire, get out first, then call 911 from your neighbor’s home or from a cell phone once you are outside.

If you are hearing impaired and in need of a visual smoke alarm, please visit www.fabscom.org.  

For more information on Smoke Alarms and Home Fire Safety, visit the U.S. Fire Administration's website.