Surviving a Fire Montana

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(NC)-Keeping your family safe from fire is a 24/7 responsibility. These four simple and potentially life-saving tips can help:

1.Teach your kids: Children need to understand the basics of escaping fire, without feeling frightened or overwhelmed. Make sure they recognize the sound of smoke and carbon monoxide alarms. Then prepare and practice an Escape Plan that outlines two escape routes from every room in your home and sets an outside meeting place.

2.Never tamper with alarms: In more than 50% of fatal fires, firefighters report no smoke alarms or no batteries present in alarms. Never take down smoke alarms or remove batteries! Install alarms with a "Hush" button so you can silence false alarms caused by cooking or steam and still stay safe while you clear the air.

3.Right alarms in the right places: There are two types of smoke sensing technology: ionization and photoelectric. Fire experts recommend installing both types of smoke alarms in order to maximize protection from flaming and smoldering fires. These technologies are sold in either single-station smoke alarms, or in a dual-sensor smoke alarm that combines both technologies into one unit.

4.Replace old smoke alarms: Smoke alarms wear out! Replace ALL alarms over 10 years old whether they are battery operated or hardwired right into your home's electrical system. Outdated alarms do not provide the level or protection you need, since sensors weaken and can become obstructed over time. Remember to also change all smoke alarm batteries at least once per year when you change your clocks!

You can download an Escape Plan template, and find more tips and information about family fire safety, at the www.SafeAtHome.ca web site.

- News Canada