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This page was last updated on Thursday, May 05, 2005

Safety Sense Three Simple Steps to a Safer Home
Pop Quiz: Are you at greater risk from fire in:  a) A high-rise hotel?  b) A house?  c) An elementary school?
If you answered (a), you’re mistaken. High-rise hotels are among the safest structures when it comes to fires because they typically have advanced built-in fire protection features such as smoke detectors and fire sprinklers in every room. If you answered (c), we got you again. Only about one percent of U.S. structure fires occur in educational properties. The answer is (b). You are at greatest risk from fire in your own home. In fact, eight out of 10 fire deaths in the United States take place where most of us feel safest—our home. Although that’s alarming, according to the nonprofit National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), you need not fall victim to fire. “There are three simple steps that everyone can take to make their home safer,” says Meri-K Appy, NFPA’s vice president for public education.	“The steps are easy, but the trick is to convince people that fire isn’t someone else’s problem; it could actually happen to them. According to NFPA, every household should have working smoke alarms on each level of the home, and outside each sleeping area. Test alarms at least once a month and replace batteries at least once a year. Replace smoke alarms that are 10 years old or older. Develop and physically practice a home fire drill with all occupants at least twice a year. Identify two ways out of eachroom and choose a meeting place outside where you will wait for the fire department. And regularly conduct a hunt for home safety hazards. Search for dangers such as fireplaces without screens, unattended candles, or over-flowing ashtrays, and correct the hazards immediately.