Fire Safety at Home

“It takes less time to do a thing right, than it does to explain why you did it wrong.” 

This blog post was sponsored by the Home Depot and Kidde Fire Safety, but all opinions and photos are mine.

I am so excited to be talking about Fire Safety today. As a fire wife of 13 years I have learned a few things along the way, but still have so much to go. As my husband, a fire captain, likes to say; “SAFETY is NO ACCIDENT.” For this campaign I was able to partner with Home Depot and Kidde fire safety equipment to bring you safety tips and tricks for your home. Please do not wait until you have an emergency to protect your loved ones, preparing is easy and Kidde has made it super simple.

Let’s start with what type of products you should have in your home AT ALL TIMES. You should have Carbon Monoxide (CO) Detectors, Smoke Detectors AND Fire Extinguishers. Kidde makes keeping your home safe easy with their 10-year Worry Free alarm collection! No more replacing batteries and hearing that annoying chirping sound, all you need to remember is “TOSS AT TEN AND START AGAIN!” How easy is that?!?

I am going to go over the details for each piece of equipment for your home, plus give you links to purchase each item. If you still have questions, please feel free to leave them in the comment section below…

1. CO Detector 

Recommended locations: At least one alarm on every floor plus one alarm in every bedroom, plus one alarm outside sleeping areas and on each level of home. On levels without bedrooms, install alarms in the living room/family room or near the stairway to the upper level.

Mounting: When wall mounting, place out of reach of children. Place alarm at eye level, which allows for easy monitoring of the digital display.

Places to Avoid: Kitchens, garages, furnace rooms, that may expose the sensor to contamination. Avoid temperatures colder than 32 degrees Fahrenheit or hotter than 100 degree Fahrenheit, such as crawl spaces, porches and garages. Do not install within 5 feet of heating or cooking appliances (Kidde recommends 9 feet away from cooking devices to avoid nuisance alarms). Do not install in areas affected by weather, near drapes or furniture that could block the flow of air into the vents.

Maintenance Tips: To keep your alarm in good working order: 1) Test the alarm once a week by pushing the test button. 2) Vacuum the alarm cover once a month to remove dust. 3) Never use detergents to clean the alarm as chemicals can permanently damage the sensor. 4) Avoid spraying air fresheners or hair spray near the alarm. 5) Do not paint the unit as paint will seal the vents.

When Alarm Sounds: Alert small children, leave immediately by your escape plan, every second counts, don’t waste time getting dressed or picking up valuables. Do not return to your home until the fire officials say that it is alright to do so.

Where to purchase: –> SHOP HERE.

2. Smoke Alarm

Recommended locations: At least one alarm on every level of the home, one inside every bedroom and one outside sleeping areas (hallway outside sleeping areas). In cases of “near kitchen” a minimum of 10ft. from cooking appliance.

Mounting: Mount alarm on ceiling and locate it 12 inches from the side wall. When mounting it on the wall, use an inside wall with the top edge of the alarm between 4-12 inches below the ceiling. Make sure to read each user guide as each alarm can be different, you specifically want to avoid placement near vents and ceiling fans.

Places to Avoid: The garage, less than 4 inches from a side wall or ceiling, dusty areas like attics. Three feet from door to kitchen, or door to a bathroom that contains a bath or shower (the steam could set it off).

When Alarm Sounds: Alert small children, leave immediately by your escape plan, every second counts, don’t waste time getting dressed or picking up valuables. Do not open any inside door without first feeling it’s surface. If hot, or if you see smoke seeping through cracks, do NOT open that door!! Instead, use your alternate exit route. Stay close to the floor if the air is smoky, breath shallowly in a wet cloth if possible. Once outside, go to your selected meeting place and make sure everyone is there. Call the fire department from your phone outside, or use your neighbors phone. Do not return to your home until the fire officials say that it is alright to do so.

Where to purchase: –> SHOP HERE.

3. Fire Extinguisher

Where to store: Kidde recommends at least one 2A10BC rated fire extinguisher on every level and strongly recommend a kitchen-rated extinguisher installed near the kitchen.

How to use: There is a super easy acronym for using a fire extinguisher and it is called P.A.S.S.

• P– Pull the pin (and hold the extinguisher with the nozzle pointing away from you).
• A– Aim the nozzle low (at base of fire).
• S– Squeeze the lever (slowly and evenly to discharge the extinguishing agent. When the agent first hits the fire, the fire may briefly flare up. This is to be expected).
• S– Sweep the nozzle from side to side (moving carefully toward the fire. Keep the extinguisher aimed at the base of the fire).

***PIN THIS IMAGE***

I had actually never used a fire extinguisher before, but I really wanted to learn, so the hubby took me to the fire station and I was able to put out an actual fire! It really was as easy as it sounds, which gives me the confidence to tell you that YOU TOO can use a fire extinguisher.

Where to purchase: –> SHOP HERE.

So, is it time to replace your fire safety equipment? Did you find any of these tips helpful? If so, please share this article with a family member or friend who may need to properly equip their home as well. –> Here are more important safety tips in case of an earthquake.