If you ’ re renovating or redoing any room in your home , don ’ t forget important products that can help protect you and your family ’ s precious moments together : your smoke and carbon monoxide ( CO ) alarms , as well as your fire extinguishers . Easy to install and upgrade , smoke and CO alarms help provide early warning in the event of a home emergency . Here are some safety tips to help you keep your home and family better protected .
ENSURE PROPER ALARM PLACEMENT The National Fire Protection Association ( NFPA ) recommends installing alarms on every level of your home , including the basement , and inside every bedroom . Because smoke rises , be sure to install alarms high on the wall or on the ceiling . Don ’ t install alarms near doors , windows or ducts , where drafts may interfere with their operation . Be sure to place alarms at least 4.5 meters away from cooking appliances to minimize false alarms .
TEST AND MAINTAIN YOUR ALARMS Regularly check your alarms to help ensure they are properly operating . Simply press the test button and wait for the alarm to sound . If an alarm is battery-operated , batteries should be replaced every six months . Remember that alarms do not last forever and should be replaced every 10 years .
UPGRADE TO 10-YEAR SEALED BATTERY ALARMS For added convenience and protection , when it ’ s time to replace your existing alarms or add protection to your home , upgrade to the First Alert 10-Year Sealed Battery Combination Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Alarm . The 2-in-1 alarm is equipped with a sealed 10- year battery , eliminating the need for battery replacements and late-night battery chirps for a decade .
BE EQUIPPED TO FIGHT SMALL FIRES In the event a fire breaks out in your home , be sure you are equipped with fire extinguishers in easily accessible places , like under the kitchen sink or mounted on the wall . If the fire is small enough for you to manage on your own , use the PASS technique to put the fire out : Pull the pin . Hold the extinguisher with the nozzle pointing away from you and release the locking mechanism . Aim low . Point the extinguisher at the base of the fire . Squeeze the lever slowly and evenly . Sweep the nozzle from side-to-side .
IN THE EVENT OF A LARGER FIRE , evacuate your home and call 911 immediately .
PREPARE AND PRACTICE YOUR ESCAPE PLAN With everyone in your household , identify two exits out of each room , including doors and windows , and assign a meeting spot outside and at a safe distance from your home . The NFPA recommends practicing your plan at least twice a year to help ensure that every family member is prepared in the event of a home emergency . - First Alert , www . firstalert . ca
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