CHANGE YOUR SMOKE DETECTOR BATTERIES

In the United States and Canada over 3,000 people lose their lives in residential fires each year. Unfortunately many of those deaths occur in dwellings without properly operating smoke alarms. Many of those deaths occur at night while victims are sleeping as a result of smoke and toxic gas inhalation.

Properly installed and maintained smoke alarms do save lives! Smoke alarms batteries should be changed annually and the smoke alarms tested once a month.

A great way to remember to change your smoke alarm batteries is to create a routine such as changing batteries at the start or end of Daylight Saving Time.

Some helpful reminders are:

1. Test Smoke Alarms Monthly

2. Change Batteries Annually

3. Never disable a smoke alarm due to nuisance alarms.

WHERE TO PLACE SMOKE ALARMS

Have smoke alarms in every sleeping room, outside each separate sleeping area, and on every level of the home including the basement. Look up to make sure you have smoke alarms in these areas. If you do not have them install them.

HAVE AN ESCAPE PLAN

Make a home escape plan. Draw a map of each level of your home. Show all doors and windows. Go to each room and point to the two ways out. Practice the plan with everyone in your household.

TEACH YOUR CHILDREN

Teach your children how to escape on their own in case you cannot help them. Make sure they can open windows, remove screens and unlock doors.

PRACTICE YOUR ESCAPE PLAN

Push the test button on your smoke alarm to start your home fire drill. Practice what to do in care there is smoke. Get low and go. Get out fast. Close the door as you leave your home or apartment. Never go back in for any reason.

PRACTICE WHAT TO DO IF YOUR DOOR FEELS HOT

Before opening your door, feel the door with the back of your hand. If it is hot, leave the door closed and use your second way out.