Saving you and your loved ones from a fire could be as simple as
remembering to change the batteries in your smoke detector.
“When you set your clocks for Daylight Savings Time, change the
batteries in your smoke detector,” says John Cowden, MD,
pediatrician with Children’s Mercy Hospitals and Clinics.
“Another easy way to remember the switch is to update your smoke
detector the first time you turn on your heater in the fall or your air-
conditioner in the spring.”
In addition to keeping your smoke detector in good working order, make
sure detectors are placed throughout the home, especially near the
kitchen and bedrooms.
In the event there is a fire, you and your loved ones need to know how
to exit your house safely.
“Fire safety plans are critical for all families,” says Dr.
Cowden. “Because more fire-related deaths occur at night when people
are sleeping, everyone needs to know how to get out of their sleeping
area and where to meet up once they have evacuated the home.”
Prepare a fire escape plan for your family and practice it twice a
year, rehearsing it during both the day and night.
Also ensure that everyone knows two ways out of each room.
