Smoke Detectors Smoke detectors dramatically increase the probability that occupants will survive a house fire. Smoke detectors should be tested monthly. Home Fire Drills Practice fire drills with the entire family. Arrange a meeting place to ensure everyone has escaped. Do not permit anyone to reenter a burning structure.
Many deaths result when people reenter a burning structure to save possessions or pets.
Clean chimneys regularly. Second mission is to suppress the fire. If people are still in a burning structure, the fire department cannot begin suppressing the fire until they have gotten the people out. One per house is usually sufficient. Place in a location where air from the entire house circulates past the detector.