Now that the weather is cooling down, it is the perfect time to light your fireplace to keep your home warm through the winter. It is also the best time to make sure that all of your smoke alarms are working properly to protect your family in case of a fire.
When installing a smoke alarm, it is important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions to ensure the alarm will work properly. If you are installing the alarm on the ceiling, it should be installed 4 inches away from the wall. Smoke alarms installed on the walls should be mounted 4 to 12 inches away from the ceiling. Make sure that all smoke alarms are not installed near draft areas, such as vents or windows. If you have any questions about where you should install your smoke alarm, you can call your local fire department.
Along with having properly installed smoke alarms, you should have an evacuation plan for your family. The plan should include at least two escape routes from each room in your house. Be sure that your plan takes the most vulnerable members of your family into consideration, including small children and pets.
If you are trying to escape your home when it is full of smoke, stay as low to the ground as possible. If you can, grab a piece of clothing or material to cover your nose and mouth while you are going through any smoke. Once you are outside, move to a safe distance before calling the fire department.
Having the right homeowners insurance policy can also help to protect your home and family in case of a fire. Contact the insurance professionals at Kurt Rolf Insurance Agency in Hopkins, Minnesota for all of your homeowners’ insurance needs.
