Depending on how the fire burns, you may not be able to get at the extinguisher if the flames are next to the stove, Hamann said. Mount it near an exit point. In case you re not successful in putting out the fire, you can still get out, Maclin said. Keep extinguishers in your wood shop, in the garage with the cleaning materials and in the basement, Hamann said. If you are able to put out a fire, it never hurts to call the fire department to double check that it s out.
Heated walls can harbor a fire for long periods of time unseen.
You can teach toddlers how to exit the home, Maclin said. Devise and practice ways to get out of your house. Most fatal fires happen between 11 p.m. and 6 a.m. The deadliest time is between 1 a.m. and 5 a.m., which is when most people are in their deepest sleep, Maclin said. Blindfold each other and practice crawling out, Maclin said.