Fire Safety Month

Yes, October is Fire Safety Month!

Did you know that you should have a smoke alarm in every bedroom, as well as each main room in your home such as the living room, kitchen, and garage? And if you can't remember the last time you checked the batteries in your smoke alarm, you're probably not alone. Unfortunately, you are in the majority. You should check the batteries on each smoke alarm at least twice a year. And if your smoke alarm is older than 10 years old, you need to change your smoke alarms RIGHT NOW. It's recommended you replace them every ten years, and whenever you purchase a new-to-you home, since you can't verify how old they are usually.

After you've gotten checking up on your smoke alarms out of the way, it's time to go over your family's fire escape plan. As kids' get older, things can change. If you haven't gone over your plan in the last year, it's time to go over it together! Don't forget to discuss things such as a safe meeting place, and take a moment to check escape routes. If a window needs to be used as the escape exit, is it clear from clutter inside? Does the window open easily, even for a younger child? And don't forget to be sure that the ground below is clear from any clutter that could cause an injury, such as outdoor toys. Make sure if a bush or tree is right outside the window, that it is trimmed back just enough to allow escape! And remember to practice! Part of your plan might sound good until you try it - and then realize it's not going to work.

Finally, don't forget to check up on your home insurance papers and make sure it's updated with the correct amount. If you've recently purchased something expensive, such as a 3D TV, you want it to be replaced with the same product - not just a regular plasma TV, right? Keep pictures of expensive purchases such as jewelry on an USB drive that you have stored in a safe place, along with a copy of your insurance policy. A safe deposit box is good, but remember if something happens when the bank is closed, you'll have to wait as much as 48 to access it. If you can, keep it with a trusted family member or friend.