October is National Fire Prevention Month and we’ve got some fire safety tips to help keep you and your loved ones safe this season:
- CHECK YOUR SMOKE ALARMS.
For the best protection, install smoke alarms on every level of your home and in every sleeping area. Be sure to check them each month and replace the batteries at least twice a year! - CREATE AND PRACTICE A HOME FIRE ESCAPE PLAN.
Ensure there are two ways out of every room in the event of a fire. Get a stopwatch and time how fast your family can escape. Here’s a handy worksheet to help get you started. - BE CAREFUL IN THE KITCHEN.
Limit distractions when cooking, and don’t leave a hot oven or stove top unattended. Be sure to keep hand towels off the stove top. - BE CAUTIOUS WHEN USING CANDLES, MATCHES, OR LIGHTERS.
Keep candles on a flat, sturdy surface and at least twelve inches away from anything flammable. Blow out candles before you leave the room or before you go to sleep. Teach kids never to play with matches or lighters. Make a habit of placing these items high out of young children’s reach. - KNOW HOW TO RESPOND TO A SMOKE ALARM.
When the alarm sounds, get low to the ground and find a way out of the room as quickly and as safely as possible. Watch this video to learn more.
To learn about more ways to keep your kids safe at home take a look at our Home Safety posts.
For access to basic fire prevention resources, please visit: www.georgiafire.org and be sure to check out the Community Risk Reduction Guide.
This post was prepared by Safe Kids Georgia Intern Annie Ndolo.
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