Simple Home Safety Measures That Can Save Your Life

According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), there are more than 360,000 fires in homes each year, resulting in approximately 2,200 deaths and 11,000 emergency room-related injuries. Proper installation, operation, and maintenance of smoke alarms plays a significant role in reducing the risk of property damage, injuries, and death.

In addition to smoke alarms, carbon monoxide alarms are also essential. Carbon monoxide is known as an invisible killer due to the fact that it’s colorless and odorless. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, just 42 percent of households report having a working carbon monoxide alarm.

While changing the batteries in your smoke and CO alarms is the easiest way to ensure protection of your loved ones and your home in the event of a fire, the CPSC recommends taking these other safety measures:

– The CPSC recommends that smoke alarms be placed on every level of your home, outside sleeping areas and inside bedrooms.

– You can also install a smoke alarm that has a sealed-in battery that will last 10 years.

– Install both photoelectric and ionization smoke alarms.

– Carbon monoxide alarms should be installed on every level of the home and outside each sleeping area.

– Test smoke and carbon monoxide alarms once a month to make sure they are working.

– Have a fire escape plan and practice it with your family.

– A smoke alarm can’t save lives if everyone doesn’t know what to do when it sounds. Have two ways to get out of each room and set a pre-arranged meeting place outside.

– Children and the elderly can sleep through the sound of a smoke alarm and not hear it go off, so a caregiver needs to be prepared to help others get out of the house.

– And remember, once you are out of the house, stay out. Do not be tempted to go back inside to retrieve belongings. Let firefighters take over at that point.

Source: U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission