Fire escape and carbon monoxide safety
Prepare two escape routes where possible, keep alarms maintained and avoid dangerous fuel-burning shortcuts in a power outage.
If a fire or CO alarm is happening now: go outside to fresh air, call your local emergency number (911 in the U.S.) from outside, and do not re-enter until emergency responders say it is safe. Do not delay evacuation to complete a checklist.
1. Prepare for a house fire
- Draw a map of rooms, doors and windows. Find two ways out of each room if possible.
- Make sure doors and windows open and escape paths are clear.
- Choose a safe outdoor meeting place and practice the plan with everyone, including children and people needing assistance.
- Get out, stay out, and report the fire from outside. Do not go back in for belongings or pets.
Official source: U.S. Fire Administration home fire escape plans.
2. Prevent smoke and CO exposure
- Maintain smoke alarms in every bedroom, outside sleeping areas and on every level. Follow instructions for placement, testing and replacement.
- Install CO alarms on each home level and outside sleeping areas; battery backup helps during outages.
- CO is invisible and odorless. Headache, dizziness, nausea, weakness or confusion can indicate poisoning. If you suspect exposure, get outside and call your local emergency number (911 in the U.S.).
- Maintain fuel-burning appliances and get vents or chimneys professionally inspected as appropriate.
Sources: CPSC carbon-monoxide safety and CDC CO poisoning basics.
3. Use backup power safely
Never use a generator, camp stove or charcoal grill indoors, in an attached garage or in any enclosed space. Open windows do not make it safe.
- Use a generator outdoors only, at least 20 feet away from home openings, with exhaust pointed away from buildings.
- Never heat a home using a gas cooking oven or stove.
- Never run a vehicle in an attached garage, even when the garage door is open.
- Follow manufacturer instructions for safe electrical connection and wet-weather operation. Never backfeed an outlet.
Source: CDC generator and CO safety (2026).
Outside meeting place:
Two escape routes reviewed:
Someone needing help to evacuate:
- ☐ Family escape practice completed
- ☐ Escape windows, doors and stairs checked
- ☐ Smoke alarms tested and maintained
- ☐ CO alarms tested and maintained
- ☐ Vents, heaters and fuel equipment reviewed
- ☐ Generator safe location confirmed (if owned)
Next review date: