Fire Safety Checklist

Smoke alarms (do this today)

• One in EVERY bedroom + one outside each sleeping area + one per floor.
• Test monthly (push button).
• Replace batteries yearly (or use 10-year sealed alarms).
• Replace ENTIRE alarm every 10 years.
• Best buys: First Alert SCO5CN, Kidde i12060.
• Smart alarms (Nest Protect, Google) — phone alert if you're away.
• Free smoke alarms — most fire departments give free ones to seniors. Call non-emergency number.

Carbon monoxide (just as critical)

• One CO alarm per floor.
• One outside each bedroom area.
• Combination smoke + CO alarms simplify things.
• Replace every 5-7 years (CO sensors degrade faster than smoke).

Escape plan

1. 2 ways out of every room (door + window).
2. Practice once a year. Especially with kids/grandkids visiting.
3. Outside meeting spot — mailbox, neighbor's tree.
4. Don't go back inside for anything. Call 911 from outside.
5. Stay LOW — smoke rises.
6. Door hot? Use second exit.
7. If 2nd story — fire ladder under bed ($30-60). Practice unrolling.

Kitchen — #1 fire risk

• NEVER leave stove unattended.
• Keep towels, oven mitts, paper away from burners.
• Grease fire — cover with lid + turn off burner. NEVER water on grease fire.
• Microwave fire — keep door SHUT, unplug if safe.
• Fire extinguisher in kitchen — Class A-B-C ($30 at Home Depot).
• Auto stove shut-off (iGuardStove) for memory issues — $400.

Other fire risks

• Dryer — clean lint trap EVERY load. Clean exterior vent yearly. Lint = fuel.
• Space heaters — 3 feet from anything flammable. Turn off when leaving room or sleeping. Plug into wall, NOT power strip.
• Candles — never unattended. Battery LED candles look real.
• Smoking — outside only, deep ashtrays, water before tossing.
• Holiday lights — replace if frayed. Never plug 3 strings together.
• Christmas trees — water daily. Dead trees = catastrophic fires.
• Lithium batteries (e-bikes, scooters) — charge in garage, never overnight inside.