When I first joined the Wilton Fire Department as a volunteer firefighter, I quickly realized how much I didn't know about home fire safety!
During my interview, the Deputy Chief asked me three simple questions that really made me think.
Do you have a fire extinguisher in your home?
Are your smoke and carbon monoxide alarms working?
Does your entire family know your fire escape plan?
My answers?
Well, I was pretty confident about the first one. Yes, we had a fire extinguisher in the kitchen!
The second question? Umm… I honestly hadn't checked our smoke alarms recently, but I promised to do that that day.
And the third question? Nope! We did not have a family fire escape plan.
I quickly realized that if I was going to serve my community as a firefighter, I needed to make sure my own home and family were prepared.
That conversation inspired me to share a few important fire safety reminders with fellow homeowners here in Wilton.
1. Make Sure Your Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors Work
Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms are among the most important safety devices in your home.
Test your alarms regularly.
Replace batteries as needed, following the manufacturer's instructions.
Replace smoke and carbon monoxide alarms according to their expiration dates. Many alarms have a 10-year lifespan.
Make sure you have alarms installed in the appropriate locations throughout your home.
These devices are relatively inexpensive, especially when you consider what they could save: your life and the lives of your family.
2. Keep a Fire Extinguisher in Your Home
Every homeowner should have an appropriately rated fire extinguisher and know how to use it.
Keep one in an accessible location, such as your kitchen, but away from the stove where a fire could make it difficult to reach.
Make sure everyone in your household knows where it is.
Remember, only attempt to extinguish a small, contained fire if you have a clear escape route. If a fire grows or you feel unsafe, get out immediately and call 911.
3. Create a Family Fire Escape Plan
This is the one that really hit home for me!
Everyone in your household should know exactly what to do if a fire breaks out.
Here are a few things to discuss with your family:
Identify two ways out of every room whenever possible.
Choose a designated meeting place outside your home.
Make sure everyone knows how to get there.
Assign adults responsibility for helping young children or anyone who needs assistance.
Practice your escape plan together.
One of the most important rules: Once you get outside, stay outside!
Never go back into a burning home to retrieve belongings or pets. Call 911 from a safe location.
4. Have Your Chimney Cleaned Every Year
For those of us who enjoy a wood-burning fireplace or wood stove during New Hampshire winters, chimney maintenance is especially important.
Have your chimney inspected and cleaned annually by a qualified professional.
Creosote buildup can cause dangerous chimney fires, and regular maintenance helps keep your heating system operating safely.
5. Don't Overlook Electrical and Heating Safety
A few additional reminders that every homeowner should keep in mind:
Have electrical work performed by a licensed electrician.
Replace damaged extension cords immediately. Never use cords that are frayed, cracked, or worn.
Avoid overloading electrical outlets and power strips.
Have your furnace inspected and serviced annually by a qualified HVAC technician, ideally before the heating season begins.
A little preventative maintenance can go a long way toward protecting your home and family.
A Final Reminder From Your Local Realtor & Firefighter
I love being part of the Wilton community, both as a Realtor and as a firefighter.
One thing I've learned is that protecting your home isn't just about maintaining its value. It's about protecting the people who make it a home.
Take a few minutes this week to check your smoke detectors, locate your fire extinguisher, and talk with your family about an escape plan.
You never know when you might need it.
Remember: Get to a safe place and call 911. We're here to serve you!
Stay safe, Wilton!
