Thank you First Alert for sponsoring this post. October is Fire Prevention Month and is the perfect time to gather your family and discuss fire safety.
The risk of a home fire is real. Over the summer, a friend of mine lost almost everything to a home fire. Thankfully, her family all got out safely.
Making sure my home is safe and that my family is prepared in case of a fire, has long been at the top of my parenting to-do list. From installing smoke and carbon monoxide (CO) alarms, regularly checking alarm batteries, making sure everyone knows where the fire extinguishers are located and how to use them, to thoroughly writing out escape plans and practicing family safety drills.
First Alert is the first name that comes to mind when I think about fire safety tips and whole home safety.
I’m usually so good when it comes to preparedness and home safety. My family moved into our new house a few months ago and I have been non-stop with the unpacking, decorating and making this space feel like home. I have to shamefully admit that it wasn’t until very recently that Andy and I took the time to check all of our smoke and carbon monoxide alarms and go over our fire safety checklist. I’m so glad First Alert reached out and that prompted me to take care of our whole home safety plan.
I hope that today I am reminding you to do the very same thing. I want to share with you my family’s fire safety checklist and the reliable protection we use from First Alert to help ensure my home and family are prepared in the case of an emergency. So, let’s get started!
First Alert’s Whole Home Safety Checklist
Gather your family and complete First Alert’s Whole Home Safety Checklist and install whole home protection. October is Fire Prevention month, so now is the perfect time to take care of this
1. Draw a map of your home and label each room.
2. Walk through your home and ensure you have smoke and CO alarms on each level and in every bedroom, plus fire extinguishers.
3. Once installed, place alarm and fire extinguisher stickers on your home map to check it off!
Install Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Alarms
1. Install smoke and carbon monoxide alarms on every level and in every bedroom of your home.
2. Test your alarms regularly. I’ve created a habit of doing this on the 1st day of every month. It is the same day that I also do things like administer monthly pet preventatives and change filters.
3. Change the batteries in your alarms at least every six months. Alarms don’t last forever and should be replaced at least every 10 years. For convenient protection, upgrade to 10-year sealed battery alarms to eliminate battery replacements for a decade. The alarm I received from First Alert is a 10-Year Sealed Battery Combination Smoke & CO Alarm.
Important Stat: According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), 3 out of 5 home fire deaths occur in homes with no smoke alarms or no working smoke alarms. Ensure you add fire and CO protection, and test your alarms regularly. Ensure you do not remove your alarms or remove the batteries without replacing them.
Create an Emergency Escape Plan
Plan and practice your emergency escape plan at least twice a year. I recommend doing this more frequently for younger children. Plan two ways out of each room/area of your home and an outside meeting spot, a safe distance from your home (mailbox, neighbors home, etc.) Once out of your home, stay out and call 911 when you are at your meeting spot.
Have Fire Extinguishers
1. Fire extinguishers should be placed on every level of the home and in common places like the kitchen. The #1 cause of home fires is unattended cooking, so please make sure you have a fire extinguisher within reach. Other areas to consider are the laundry room, garage, and by the grill.
2. Make sure you know how to use a fire extinguisher. During a fire many people panic, so be sure you know how to properly use a fire extinguisher. An easy way to remember how to use a fire extinguisher is with the acronym P.A.S.S.
P – Pull the pin
A- Aim the nozzle at the base of the fire
S- Squeeze the trigger
S- Sweep from side to side
I recommend the First Alert Rechargeable Home Fire Extinguisher. It is lightweight and easy to use.
I hope you found this information helpful and help spread the word about Fire Prevention Month and the First Alert Whole Home Safety Checklist. You can find First Alert fire safety products at Lowe’s.
As part of Fire Prevention Month, Lowe’s Home Improvement wants to #buildthanks for first responders, doctors and nurses with a 10% discount Oct. 22-24. Register for this special offer at Lowes.com/firstresponders.