A sounding smoke alarm is a family’s first sign that there could be fire in the home. The end of Daylight Saving Time – and “Falling” back – can serve as a great reminder to families to change home smoke alarm batteries. This can also be an opportunity to teach kids the importance of home fire safety, especially the role of the smoke alarm, even when they seem like a nuisance.
Help children recognize the sound of the alarm, and when they hear the loud noise, follow their home escape plan and get out fast.
Kids can help keep their families fire safe by helping a parent remember to:
• Put smoke alarms in your home, especially in bedrooms.
• Test smoke alarms monthly so you know what it sounds like.
• Replace old batteries with new ones yearly.
• Leave the smoke alarms in place – even if they sound every time you start cooking.
Finally, practice makes perfect. Encourage kids to practice their home escape plans. Make a game out of making and repeatedly practicing an escape “map “or plan.