October is Fire Prevention Month, and Watsonville Fire is dedicated to helping you prepare and protect your home. 

We’re sharing the following crucial tips to ensure your safety in case of a fire.

Maintain Your Smoke Alarms

Did you know that 3 out of 5 fire deaths occur in homes without working smoke alarms? Ensuring your smoke alarms are functional is a critical step in fire safety.

• Test your smoke alarms today: If they’re not working, replace the battery or the entire alarm if it’s over ten years old.
• If your alarm is chirping, it usually means the battery needs to be replaced.
• For hardwired alarms, contact your alarm company for assistance.
• Install alarms in every bedroom, outside sleeping areas, and on every level of your home.
• Interconnect your alarms so that if one goes off, they all sound.

Working smoke alarms provide an early warning, giving you the time you need to evacuate safely. 

 Keep Your Exits Clear

While doorways are often considered primary escape routes, windows can be crucial escape points in a fire.

• Keep windows unobstructed: Ensure there’s nothing in front of your windows that extends above the windowsill. This allows for a quick and safe exit if needed.
• If you live in a multi-story building, have a fire ladder accessible, if possible. It can provide a secure means of escape when stairways are blocked or unsafe. 

In a fire, every second counts. Having clear and accessible escape routes can make a significant difference.

Create and Practice Your Fire Escape Plan

 A well-thought-out fire escape plan is essential for safety. 

• Draw a floor plan of your home: Mark two exits from each room and identify a meeting spot outside.
• Practice regularly: Conduct fire drills with your family to ensure everyone knows the escape routes and procedures.
• Review and update your plan: As your home or family changes, update your plan accordingly.

With modern materials in furniture and bedding, you have only about 3 minutes to escape a fire, compared to the previous average of 17 minutes. Always check doors for heat with the back of your hand before opening them to avoid a fire on the other side, and keep hallways and exits clear of clutter. 

Your safety is our priority. Let’s work together to keep our homes and families safe.

 Additional Resources

Ready, National Public Service Campaign 
National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)
U.S. Fire Administration