Discard newspapers and keep flammable liquids in a cool ventilated place. Have your chimney cleaned regularly. It is essential that every home have working smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors. Along with a well-rehearsed fire escape plan, this can mean the difference between life and death to your family. Smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors save lives, as they give you that early warning that there may be a fire or carbon monoxide problem in your home.
Most jurisdictions now require smoke detectors in both homes and businesses.
Not only do they save lives, but studies show that money spent on smoke detectors reduces direct and indirect medical costs, as well as other costs to society. Smoke detectors are the best alarms in the event of a fire and provide an early warning that gives you time to escape from your home. It is essential however that all smoke detectors have working batteries. Smoke alarms should be placed near bedrooms, either on the ceiling or six to twelve inches below the ceiling on the wall. Local codes may require additional alarms.