While planning and preparing can’t stop emergencies from happening, having the supplies you need and some sense of direction can keep you and your family safer during a catastrophe. This is certainly the case for home fires, according to Michael Kozo, New York City Fire Department (FDNY) captain and commanding officer of the FDNY’s Fire Safety Education Unit.
Home fire safety “isn’t as simple as having a ‘go bag,’” Kozo told HuffPost. “We’re talking a little bit more about preparedness in terms of fire safety education. It’s all about having an escape plan in your home. Have everybody in your home sit down together and go over an escape plan. Then you practice it.”
Per Kozo, the number one way to be prepared for a home fire is to have working, regularly tested smoke alarms in every room of your house. He recommends checking the batteries once a month as well as brushing them off to make sure dust doesn’t get stuck in them.
With the rise in wildfires, it feels remiss to discuss home fire preparedness without looking into wildfire safety. Jon Heggie, battalion chief at the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) defines home wildfire preparedness as “having all the things readily available if you are asked to evacuate.”
While this can mean an already packed to-go bag containing things like extra clothes, food, water and medication, Heggie says it’s also helpful to just keep a running list of where your important documents and sentimental items are around the house.
“We don’t want people to live in a constant state of fear and being packed, ready to go,” Heggie said. “But having that, you know — insurance papers, hall closet. Pictures, pick ’em up here. Know where those items are throughout your house to be able to grab and go at a moment’s notice.”
Whether you’re preparing a to-go bag or just want to equip your house the best you can for a fire, the experts break down the things you need to be prepared in the event of a blaze.
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Working smoke alarms in every room
After installing a fire alarm in every room of your home, Kozo recommends testing each alarm once a month. “You still have to test it monthly, make sure that it’s working properly, make sure that there’s no dust in there,” he said.
This 120-volt AC smoke detector comes with a 9-volt battery and a 10-year warranty. You can purchase a single alarm or a pack of three, six or 12.
Carbon monoxide alarm
“Install carbon monoxide alarms to alert your family to this invisible, odorless, colorless gas before it’s too late,” Krista Farley Raines, regional communications director for American Red Cross Central Appalachia Region, told HuffPost. “A small amount of carbon monoxide can poison or kill a person if it is breathed in over a long period of time — such as overnight while sleeping.”
This carbon monoxide alarm lasts up to five years and uses a 9-volt battery.
9-volt batteries
Many smoke and carbon monoxide detectors (like the two we listed) use 9-volt batteries; this two-pack from Energizer has a five-year shelf life.
Firefighter rescue alert stickers
This fire rescue alert is a matte vinyl sticker that comes in five sizes.
Have two home fire extinguishers
“We don’t recommend you try to act as a firefighter and put out this huge fire,” Kozo said. “After about 45 seconds or so, the fire’s gonna be beyond your control. That extinguisher, you’ll be able to knock down just enough fire where you’ll be able to get out safe or maybe get to your children’s bedroom or something like that.”
Fire escape ladders
This tangle-free fire ladder measures 13 feet and can hold up to 1,000 pounds.
A fireproof safe for your valuables
This safety box is fireproof and waterproof; it can hold letter and A4 size documents lying down.
Fireproof and water-resistant file folder
When it comes to fire preparedness, Heggie says you want to think about the P’s: papers, prescriptions, plastic (meaning credit cards or cash) and pets. This portable, expandable fireproof and water-resistant file can contain and organize all your important papers and files. It can store spare cash and credit cards as well.
Waterproof and moisture-proof pill organizer
Keep your prescriptions ready and protected with this waterproof and moisture-proof pill organizer. It has slots for every day of the week and a carrying handle, so it’s easy to grab quickly.
Supplies for your pet
Heggie urges you to keep food and water for your human family in your to-go bag. He also recommends packing everything your pet may need, like their food and medications or an extra leash. This is a set of two collapsible food and water bowls that stack easily and make an instant space for your pet to eat and drink on the go.
First-aid kit
As Heggie says, every family’s to-go bag will look different. Still, he shares that a first-aid kit is something all families will be glad to have. This one contains everything from bandages to ibuprofen tablets.
A bag of toiletries
In addition to first-aid supplies, Heggie says you’ll want to have some toiletries for you and your family. Rather than running around the house finding things in the moment, this kit has everything you need including deodorant, toothpaste and a razor.
Waterproof flashlights and batteries
