FIRE SAFETY: Protect Your Family & Home

Fire safety preparedness is NOT on the mind of the average homeowner on a day-to-day basis. Did you know…

Three of every five home fire deaths resulted from fires in homes with no smoke alarms (38%) or no working smoke alarms (21%).

In 2010, U.S. fire departments responded to an estimated 80,100 non-fire CO incidents in which carbon monoxide was found, an average of 9 such calls per hour.

NFPA – https://www.nfpa.org

As a realtor, one of my duties is advising my clients of requirements for smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors before the close of escrow. And what do I observe? The majority of homes do not meet the requirements and need to be updated to current standards during escrow. This means that these homeowners have been living at risk. The good news? It’s easy to fix TODAY – quickly and at low cost!  

Smoke alarms

Smoke alarms wear out. If yours are more than 10 years old replace them TODAY. New versions have a 10 year battery. After 10 years, replace the entire smoke detector. Install smoke alarms according to manufacturer’s directions, at minimum, in the following locations:

• In every sleeping room
• Outside each separate sleeping area
• On every level of the home

Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Carbon monoxide is silent and deadly.  It can come from a faulty gas appliance, fireplace, grill or garage, among other sources.  Install a CO detector in your home TODAY to protect you and your family. 

Fire Extinguishers

Local fire code requires extinguishers be mounted to buildings’ exteriors, for easy access in the event of a fire.  Take note of where they are located TODAY.  Consider purchasing additional fire extinguishers to keep in easily accessible locations in your home.

Plan

Fire can spread quickly, and when you are unprepared and afraid, you may not choose the wisest escape route.  Plan two routes for each room and then practice drills with everyone who lives in the home TODAY.  If you live upstairs, consider purchasing fire escape ladders to aid your exit.

Please put these items on your TODAY list to keep you and your loved ones safe!