Guides / Inside the house
Fire and carbon monoxide safety
Working alarms and a practiced plan make the biggest difference in a home fire or carbon monoxide event. These checks take minutes and matter more than anything else on this site.
What to check
- Smoke alarms
- Test alarms monthly. The NFPA recommends replacing smoke alarms every 10 years and having one in every bedroom, outside each sleeping area, and on every level.
- Carbon monoxide alarms
- Install CO alarms outside sleeping areas and on each level if you have fuel-burning appliances or an attached garage. Follow the replacement date on the alarm.
- Fire extinguishers
- Keep at least one in the kitchen and one per floor. Check the gauge, and make sure adults know how to use them.
- Escape plan
- Know two ways out of each room, pick an outside meeting place, and practice the plan with everyone in the house.
- Dryer and kitchen
- Clean dryer lint every load, never leave cooking unattended, and keep things that can burn away from the stove.
- Space heaters and cords
- Keep space heaters three feet from anything that can burn, plug them directly into the wall, and replace damaged cords.
When to do it
Monthly alarm tests. A common reminder is to check alarms when clocks change in spring and fall.
Call a licensed professional for
- Any time a CO alarm sounds: get everyone outside and call 911 or the fire department
- Electrical outlets or switches that are warm, discolored or buzzing
- Chimney inspection and cleaning before using a fireplace or wood stove each season
This guide is general information for US homeowners. Codes, climates and houses vary. It is not a substitute for an inspection or advice from a licensed contractor, and in an emergency call 911.