We all remember fire drills at school or at work—but how often do we practice them at home? With October recognized as Fire Prevention Month, now is the perfect time to review your home fire safety plan and ensure your household is prepared for emergencies.

Your home is more than a place to live—it’s where you relax, create memories, and spend time with those you love. Naturally, you want to protect your family, your pets, and your home. Fires can spread in mere seconds, but a well-thought-out emergency plan can make all the difference. Creating a fire escape plan is one of the most effective ways to start your home fire safety journey.

Talking About Fire Safety With Your Family

Including everyone in your home in the conversation about fire safety is crucial—especially children. While young ones might not fully understand the dangers of fire, preparing them is one of the best ways to keep them safe.

Explain how smoke and fire alarms work and what they should do when they go off. Emphasize that their main priority is to get out safely, not to grab toys or belongings.

A fun and educational activity is to have your child draw a map of your home and mark the safest exits. This helps you see what they understand about fire safety and provides a foundation for practicing your plan together.

Create and Practice a Fire Escape Plan

A clear, practiced escape plan can save lives by reducing panic and guiding your family to safety. Here’s how to create an effective plan:

1. Draw a simple floor plan – Mark all main living areas and exits so everyone can visualize escape routes.

2. Identify two exits per room – Make sure there’s always an alternative way out, whether through a door or window.

Key considerations:

• Are windows easy to open and safe to use?

• Do you have window ladders for second-story rooms?

• Does anyone in your household need assistance to exit?

After planning your routes, select a designated meeting spot at least 50 feet from your home—like a mailbox, tree, or neighbor’s yard.

Finally, practice regularly! Run drills at least twice a year, aiming to get everyone out in under two minutes. Repeated practice builds confidence, especially for children, and ensures everyone knows what to do in an emergency.

Life-Saving Devices: Smoke Alarms

Smoke alarms are essential for home safety. Fires spread rapidly, and early warnings save lives. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), about three out of five fire-related deaths occur in homes without working smoke alarms.

Keep your alarms effective by:

• Testing them monthly

• Replacing batteries regularly

• Installing interconnected alarms so all units sound simultaneously

• Replacing alarms every 10 years

How Custom Alarm Can Help Protect Your Home

For added peace of mind, Custom Alarm offers monitored fire alarm systems that integrate seamlessly with your home security setup. During a free consultation, our experts evaluate your home, identify potential risks, and recommend ways to enhance fire safety.

Our monitored systems include smoke and carbon monoxide detectors connected to a 24/7 monitoring center. If an alarm is triggered, our team is immediately notified and can alert emergency responders—whether you’re home or away. With Custom Alarm, you can rest easy knowing your family and pets are protected around the clock.

This Fire Prevention Month, take the time to review your home fire safety plan, practice your escape routes, and ensure your home is fully protected. Your family’s safety is worth it.