Marshik Insurance Agency, Inc.

Stopping A Fire Before It Starts – 5 Things You Can Do Today!

1.  Do a Smoke Alarm Audit

Install at least one UL – listed smoke alarm on every level of your home

Check that alarms are installed on ceilings or high on walls

For ceiling mounted, make sure they are four inches away from the nearest wall

For wall mounted, check that they are four to 12 inches down from the ceiling

Test smoke alarms weekly and replace batteries twice a year

Replace alarms that are more than 10 years old or have been painted over

Test that you can hear alarms in every room of the house even with doors closed

Mark your calendar for the next testing date

2.  Make Extinguishers Handy

Check that you have at least one UL-listed fire extinguisher in your home

Examine the gauge to be sure that it is still fully charged

Familiarize yourself with the instructions now when there is no emergency

3.  Talk Prevention with Your Kids

Make sure your kids know:

Never play with matches, lighters, or candles

Never play with electrical cords and never put anything in the socket

Blankets or clothes should never be thrown on top of lamps

Don’t turn up a heater without a grown-ups permission

If your clothes catch on fire, stop, drop and roll

4.  Look at Your Home From Your Child’s Perspective

Tour your home from your child’s perspective on your hands and knees

Identify potential hazards and move/replace/adjust accordingly

Check closets and other “secret” kid places for evidence of playing with fire

5.  Avoid overloading sockets and cords

Walk-through of your home looking for overloaded sockets or extension cords

Check wattage on lamps and cords to avoid overloading

Check out www.safetyathome.com  or contact the Marshik Insurance Agency, Little Falls, MN for more great ideas