One safety step that every family needs to do at least once a month is to check their smoke detectors and fire extinguishers. This crucial step is often easily forgotten in the day to day rush of life. An easy way to remember to complete this is to pick a specific day every month. You may want to plan it for the first of the month or on your payday. This will automatically give you a reminder that the task needs to be completed.
Checking your smoke detectors is a fairly easy process. You will simply need to press the button to make sure they are working. It is a good idea to change the batteries at this time as well. There is nothing more annoying then being awakened by the beep that your smoke detector makes because the batteries need to be changed. If you have smoke detectors, which are electrical make sure that they have a battery back up system. You should have several smoke detectors in your home, at least one on each level near the bedrooms. To learn more about smoke detectors click here.
You will also want to check your fire extinguishers on a regular basis. You will want to make sure that they are easily accessible during an emergency. When you check your fire extinguishers you will want to make sure that the nozzle isn’t clogged and that the safety ring is still attached. It is recommended that you have them checked professionally once a year. Once you use a fire extinguisher you will need to replace it. Make sure you understand how to operate the extinguisher correctly. You will want to make sure that you have a Class B fire extinguisher in the kitchen.
It is also a good idea to have a monthly fire drill with your family. This will give them the opportunity to learn the proper way to respond during a fire. You may want to assign partners to your children or make each parent in charge of gathering certain children and helping them to evacuate.
Taking the time to complete these activities each month will ensure that your family will be ready should a fire occur in your home. It is also comforting to know that your smoke detector and fire extinguishers are working properly. Do you have any additional tips on fire safety?