Make smoke alarms work for you!
Fire Prevention Week (FPW) 2024 aims to educate people on the importance of having working smoke alarms in their homes.
Here are some tips for fire prevention:
* Install smoke and carbon monoxide (CO) alarms on every level of your home, including the basement and inside and outside each bedroom.
* Placement is important. On walls, mount alarms at least three feet from the corners and at least 12 inches from the ceiling. Don't mount them near fans or air ducts. Moving air can blow smoke away from the alarm. In kitchens, place alarms at least 10 feet away from cooking appliances. The best placement for a smoke alarm is in the middle of the ceiling.
* Test your alarms monthly and change the batteries every six months. For 10-year sealed battery alarms, replace after 10 years.
* Keep fire extinguishers on every level of your home, especially in the kitchen and garage, and make sure you know how to use them.