October 3-9 was National Fire Prevention Week. If you missed it, this is still a great time to focus on fire prevention in your home. Whether you're on your way to buying a new home among Boise homes for sale, or just improving security in your current home, instituting a regimen of fire prevention can help give your family a feeling of safety while preventing tragedies.

Start on these tips right away to help prevent fires in your home.

• Install Smoke Alarms
  Install smoke alarms in the hallways outside sleeping areas, in all bedrooms, and on every floor. Place smoke alarms high on the wall or on the ceiling. Do not install alarms near bathrooms as steam can cause false alarms and may also damage the unit. The detector placed outside a sleeping area should be loud enough to be heard through a closed door. The best plan is to connect all smoke alarms in the home so that when one sounds, they all do. 
  
  Test smoke detectors once a month. Press and hold fire alarm buttons until the alarm sounds. If the sound is weak, replace the batteries. Replace smoke detectors every 10 years. Hardwired alarms also require monthly testing.
  
  
• Develop a Fire Escape Plan
  Develop a plan for getting out of your home quickly if an alarm sounds. Develop your plan with at least two ways to escape every room and a meeting place outside. Take into consideration getting pets to safety as well. Practice the plan at least twice a year to make sure all your family members remember the plan.
  
  
• Never Overload Your Electrical Outlets
  Overloading electrical outlets with multiple appliances can lead to overheating and fires. If you need more outlets, have an electrician install them.
  
  Call an electrician if you are consistently blowing fuses or tripping circuit breakers. This also goes for flickering lights, burning smells from appliances, or warm or discolored wall outlets.
  
  
• Exercise Care with Power Cords
  Throw away damaged power cords, or have them professionally repaired. Use power cords labeled "For outdoor use only" for outdoor appliances. Do not rely on extension cords for permanent power sources. Again, if you need a closer electrical outlet, have it installed. 
  
  
• Be Mindful of Heat Sources
  Keep anything flammable at least 3 feet from sources of heat. Exercise particular caution with candles, substituting whenever possible candles with a wick with flameless candles. If you burn candles, make sure they are located at least 3 feet from anything that can catch on fire. Keep hair and clothing away from the flame when you light the candle. 
  
  Keep lamps and light bulbs away from anything that can burn, such as bedding, clothing, curtains, or lampshades. Also, make sure you turn off space heaters before leaving your home.
  
  
• Dryer Maintenance and Usage
  Do not leave home while a dryer is drying clothing. Always clean the lint trap of the dryer before starting the drying process. Make sure to have your dryer cleaned and free of lint to avoid fires.
  
  
• Exercise Caution While Cooking
  Be mindful that cooking fires are the number one cause of home fires. To help prevent this, never leave food unattended while it is cooking on or on the stove. Also, keep a fire extinguisher under your sink in case of emergency.

Our real estate agents have more good advice about home safety. Contact us today.