By: Erin Anderson | Licensed Real Estate Salesperson and Former EMT/Fire Fighter | Plush Properties
Becoming a homeowner is a major milestone, but it also comes with serious responsibilities and one of the most critical is fire safety. I've spent years responding to emergencies, and I’ve seen the difference between homes that were prepared and those that weren’t. Here are six essential fire safety tips every homeowner should implement right away.
1. Install Fire Extinguishers in Key Areas
Place A-B-C rated (multi-purpose) fire extinguishers in your kitchen, garage, and basement. These areas are some of the most common sources of residential fires. A fire extinguisher can mean the difference between a minor incident and a total loss.
Tip from the field: Learn how to use one before you need it. A quick online tutorial or demonstration at your local fire department can be invaluable.
Remember the acronym PASS — Pull, Aim, Squeeze, and Sweep.
2. Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors Are Non-Negotiable
Smoke detectors and carbon monoxide (CO) detectors are your first line of defense. Make sure every bedroom, hallway, and level of your home is equipped with working detectors. Test them monthly and change the batteries twice a year — daylight saving time is a great reminder.
Safety insight: Carbon monoxide is invisible and odorless. I’ve personally responded to calls where CO detectors saved lives. Don’t delay in getting them installed.
3. Living Upstairs? Get a Fire Escape Ladder
If your bedrooms are on an upper floor, equip each with a fire escape ladder. These simple devices attach to windowsills and allow for a safe escape when stairwells are blocked by fire or smoke.
What I’ve learned: Practice using these ladders with your family. In a high-stress moment, muscle memory can save your life.
4. Create and Practice a Fire Escape Plan
Every household should have a fire escape plan. Draw out your home’s floor plan and identify two exits from each room. Establish a safe meeting spot outside and do not re-enter the home! Review the plan with your family regularly.
Pro tip: Practice your escape plan in both daylight and nighttime conditions. Fires can strike at any hour.
5. Understand Your Home’s Unique Risks
Homes with fireplaces, fuel-burning furnaces, or outdoor grills all come with specific fire risks. Schedule yearly inspections and keep all flammable materials at least three feet away from heat sources.
From my experience: Dryer lint buildup, unattended candles, and overloaded outlets are some of the most common causes of avoidable fires.
6. Review Your Home Insurance Coverage Annually
Ensure your homeowner’s insurance policy includes robust fire and disaster protection. Additional features like replacement cost coverage and temporary housing assistance are vital if the unexpected happens.
What to do: Take clear photos of each room and any valuable belongings. Store them digitally for easy access in case of loss.
Final Thoughts
As someone who has responded to hundreds of home emergencies, I can confidently say that a few simple precautions can make all the difference. Fire safety isn’t about fear — it’s about being ready. Now that you’ve made the amazing leap into homeownership, take a few extra steps to protect what matters most.
If you have questions about fire safety, emergency preparedness, or anything else related to your home, I’m here to help — not just as your realtor, but as someone committed to your safety and peace of mind.
Contact me, Erin Anderson, today for more information on keeping your home and family protected.
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Erin Anderson is a dedicated licensed real estate salesperson with a robust career spanning over a decade in real estate and property management, coupled with 22 years of dedicated service as a Firefighter/EMT, Erin brings a unique blend of experience, commitment, and community focus to the world of real estate.… Read full bio |
