Students who take advantage of flexible learning from home never get interrupted by the jarring noise of a school fire alarm. Across the nation brick and mortar schools practice fire drills monthly – what can you do to make sure your students are safe and prepared in their own home?

1. Practice Family Fire Drills! Depending on the layout of your home, each family fire drill is going to be a bit different. Make sure that your child knows the fastest way out, in addition to an alternate route. Have a plan for who is responsible for family pets and irreplaceable items (think birth certificates, not your DS) and designate a place outside your home as a safe meeting space in the event of an emergency.
2. Check Smoke Alarms It is recommended to check the batteries in family smoke alarms at least twice a year. Why not now? Smoke alarms should be placed on the ceiling or as high on a wall as possible, in every bedroom, and on every floor of your home. Smoke Alarms that are more than 10 years old should be replaced.
3. Cook with CautionNever leave a stove unattended or on around small children. Creating a “kid-free zone” at least 3 feet from the oven or grill can eliminate potentially harmful situations. Teach children how to put out the most common type of kitchen fire – a grease fire NOT with water, but by smothering the flames with a lid.
4. Limit Decorative Candles Always make sure to blow out candles completely when you leave the room. Keep lighters, matches and other items out of the reach of children. There are plenty of flameless scented options that decorate homes just as beautifully as real candles and in some cases last even longer.
5. Stop, Drop & RollThe classic saying still works – teach your child that in the event that they encounter flames on their clothing, to immediately stop what they are doing, drop to the ground and roll around while covering their face with their hands.

Share even more tips for families in the comments below! Your family can also learn more by participating in a Fire Prevention Week event at your local firehouse or by visiting the National Fire Prevention Agency website.