8 Helpful Tips to Keep Your Family Safe from a Fire Emergency

It goes without saying that keeping your home and your family safe is of the utmost importance, but as life tends to have it’s way with us – sometimes we get too busy to think about the simple things that could help prevent a tragedy at the home. Use these 8 helpful tips to keep your family safe.

• Keep plants and trees around your house watered and well trimmed.  If plants are dead, have them removed and consider re-landscaping with drought tolerant plants.  Drought tolerant plants are typically less likely to spread fire.  Read more about Fire Resistant Plants from this study conducted by Oregon State University, Washington State University and the University of Idaho.
  

  Drought resistant landscaping not only reduces your water consumption, but can also help save your property in the event of a nearby fire.

• Keep a smoke detector and a carbon monoxide detector in each room of the house – don’t forget the garage.  Did you know that carbon monoxide detectors are required in 30 states? Here’s a link to a combination smoke detector and carbon monoxide detector in one unit: First Alert Combination Carbon Monoxide/Smoke Alarm
  

  Carbon Monoxide Detectors are Required by Law

• This tip sounds obvious, but always store firewood away from your house.  It is a good practice to keep your wood pile at least 100ft away from the home if possible.
• Keep space heaters at least 3 feet away from anything that may be flammable.
• Never overload outlets or extension cords and never run an extension cord under a rug.
• Turn off lights and appliances when not in use.
• Keep a fire extinguisher on all levels of the house including an extra one for each the garage and kitchen.  Make sure everyone of appropriate age in the house knows where to find the fire extinguishers and how to operate them.  Buy a fire extinguisher from a reputable brand like Kiddie or Amerex Recommended fire extinguisher locations:

• Always have a plan!  Make sure everyone in your household knows what to do in case of an emergency.  Have an escape route planned from each room and a designated meeting spot outside of your home.  Designate an adult who will be in charge of gathering pets.  Write out your plan and print it, or make copies for each family member.  Hold a family meeting to make sure everyone knows what to do in case of emergency.  Here are some tips from the National Fire Protection Association.