Smoke alarms. Smoke alarms are essential protection for every level in every home. They are moderately priced, and are your first line of defense in a fire. A working smoke alarm dramatically increases a person’s chance of surviving a fire. You should install smoke alarms outside each sleeping area on every level of your home, including the basement. Test each alarm once a month by using the test button on the smoke alarm. It’s also very important to install new batteries in a smoke alarm at least once a year and to replace smoke alarms after 10 years. Many wise homeowners change all smoke alarm batteries twice a year, when they change their clocks for Daylight Savings Time.

Fire extinguishers. Consider having a fire extinguisher mounted in the kitchen, garage, and workshop, preferably in close proximity to an exit. It’s a good idea to get some training from your local fire department on how to use one. If there is a large or spreading fire, don’t attempt to battle it with your fire extinguisher. Instead, get out of your home immediately and call the fire department from another location.