Smoke Alarms
• Have smoke alarms on every level of your home, including the basement.
• Test smoke alarms monthly.
• Replace batteries at least once per year in detectors that do not have 10 year lithium batteries (Hard wired alarms have battery backups.).
• Replace alarm unit every 10 years (censors deteriorate over time).
• Vacuum out smoke alarms periodically to prevent dust buildup.

Fire Extinguishers
• Did you know, that a typical household fire extinguisher will only last 8-10 seconds?
• Mount the fire extinguisher on the wall in an easily accessible location.
• Have multiple fire extinguishers in the home: near the kitchen, in the garage, and in the basement (in rooms where there are heat/ fire sources).
• Purchase A-B-C type fire extinguishers.
• Learn the PASS method of fire extinguisher use: Pill pin, Aim at base of fire, Squeeze trigger, and Sweep back and forth.

Escape Routes
What do you do if your smoke alarm sounds off while you are sleeping, and there is smoke in the room?

• Stay low (below the smoke) and go (towards your exit).
• If door is closed feel it or the door knob with the back of your hand. If it is hot, keep door closed and use an alternative exit.
• If you catch on fire, Stop, Drop, and Roll.
• If you cannot get out, signal where you are by hanging a bright colored cloth out the window.
• If you have an escape ladder, practice using it before a fire occurs.
• Have a predetermined family reunion site immediately outside of the home like a mailbox at the end of the driveway or a neighbors house. Make sure all household members know where the reunion site is.