In recent years, the average number of deaths as a result of home structure fires per year was 2, 620. We at AptivaRx would like to see that number eliminated. You can protect yourself and your home by installing smoke and carbon monoxide detectors on every level of your home. Test your smoke and carbon monoxide each month to make sure they’re working properly.

Create an evacuation plan. If a fire were to start in the kitchen and you were in the laundry room, what is the safest route out of the house? Do that for each room of your home, considering different possible scenarios and fire source locations. Talk to your family or other household members to establish a meeting place outside the house and far enough away that you’ll be safe from the heat.

Carefully supervise and manage any source of combustion, including stoves, candles, ashtrays, and heaters. Dump ashtrays before they become full. Don’t leave cigars, cigarettes, or kitchen appliances burned without supervision. Never leave space heaters on overnight or when you leave the house. If you have any lights, switches, or outlets that don’t always work as they should, have your wiring checked to make sure you’re not at risk for an electrical fire.