By Pamela Singleton, Sonitrol Pacific Director of Communications
Posted October 20, 2009

A fire in the home can be devastating. These tips can help you protect your family and home.

– Operation: Detection. Install (at least) one smoke and carbon monoxide detector on every level of your home.
– Plan your escape. Establish an emergency plan for the home and make certain everyone knows it. Hold fire drills and practice using emergency escape routes.
– Cooking with caution. Never leave food unattended when frying, grilling or broiling; check food regularly when baking, boiling, roasting or simmering. Keep your stovetop and oven clean and free of any flammable items (cardboard packaging, wooden spoons, oven mitts, etc.).
– Post weatherization or security check up sweep. After making changes to your home’s energy efficiency or home security measures, complete a final sweep to ensure points of exit are free from obstruction.
– Fireplace/wood stove safety. Have your chimney/wood stove inspected annually by an expert. Burn only seasoned hardwood; avoid burning wet, soft woods and cardboard/trash.
– Candle discretion. Candles are the culprit in more than 50 percent of home fires. Place candles in solid holders that can’t be knocked over or easily reached by pets or children. Never leave candles unattended.
– Join the safety circuit. Routinely check electrical appliances and wiring. Immediately replaced damaged or worn wires.

For more tips, visit www.usfa.fema.gov.