Fire Safety is a top priority for any home or business and some of the most important products are very common, inexpensive, but often overlooked or out of date. Don’t wait – make sure these fire safety essentials are available and working properly in your home and business.

1.  Fire extinguishers – Every business should have a few ABC Fire Extinguishers readily available and operating properly.  ABC fire extinguishers are multi-use fire extinguishers used for most fires.  They usually contain some sort of CO2 powder to extinguish the fire.  Specialized fire extinguishers like the StoveTop FireStop can also be a great idea for home kitchens, and commercial kitchens are required to have special fire suppression systems that must be inspected and certified by your local Fire Marshal.

2.  Smoke Alarms – Smoke alarms are a must in any residential or commercial area where people live or work.  Smoke alarms are one of your first warnings of a fire, but they must be checked often and batteries must be replaced regularly.  Smoke alarms will usually have a test button on them and will also start a beeping sound when batteries are weak.  Test your smoke alarms regularly and replace them as needed.  If you can not afford a smoke alarm, call your fire department.  Most local fire departments provide smoke alarms for homes and apartments free of charge for those who can not afford to buy one.

4.  Fire Sprinkler Systems – Fire sprinkler systems are common for businesses but they can be a life saver in your home too.  A sprinkler system is a good idea and affordable when a home is being built, but may take some extra engineering by a professional to add a residential sprinkler system to an existing home. A residential sprinkler system can save your life and extinguish a fire before it consumes your entire home. Most apartment buildings have sprinkler systems, but it is a good idea to make sure the system is operational.  Check with your building manager to make sure your system is checked regularly.

5.  Fire Plan – A fire plan is free but it is essential for a home with kids or elderly adults.  Along with that plan, you must practice it so everyone knows how to escape, where to gather and the responsibility of each person.  If you need help with the fire plan, call your local fire department.  A fire plan may be the most important tip of all.  The plan can prevent panic and help everyone escape safely if it is put in to place and practiced regularly.