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 twicea 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.