(NC) Did you know most home fire deaths occur in homes without properly working smoke alarms, or no alarms at all? Fire safety is a critical aspect of home maintenance, and these simple yet effective tips can help keep you and your loved ones safe.

• Test and maintain alarms. Maintaining your smoke and carbon monoxide (CO) alarms is an important part of helping keep your home and family safe. However, according to Statistics Canada, of the Canadians who experienced a residential fire between 2015-2021, just one-in-three had a working smoke alarm in their home. The National Fire Protection Association recommends that alarms be installed on every level of your home, including the basement, and in every bedroom. Remember to test your alarms regularly, and if you’re using battery-powered alarms, change the batteries at least every six months.

• Consider upgrading to 10-year sealed-battery alarms. To make maintaining your smoke and CO alarms easier, upgrade to a combination model with a 10-year sealed battery, such as the First Alert’s 2-in-1 Combination Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm. Alarms with two-in-one technology protect against both types of dangers. The sealed battery eliminates late-night battery chirps as well as the need for battery replacements.

• Equip yourself with fire extinguishers. In addition to working smoke alarms, fire extinguishers are another important safety tool to have in your home. Fire extinguishers should be stored in easy-to-reach places and in key rooms where there is a higher risk of fires starting, such as the kitchen and garage. An easy way to remember how to use a fire extinguisher is with the acronym PASS: Pull the pin. Hold the extinguisher with the nozzle pointing away from you and release the locking mechanism. Aim low. Point the extinguisher at the base of the fire. Squeeze the lever slowly and evenly. Sweep the nozzle from side to side.

• Create a fire escape plan. To make a fire escape plan, start by identifying two ways out of each room, then assign an outdoor meeting spot a safe distance from your home. Dedicate someone in the family to assist with any pets, elderly family members or infants. Once you’ve established a plan, practice it with the entire household at least twice a year.

Find more fire safety advice at firstalert.ca.