Knowing what to do during an emergency is an important part of being prepared. It may make all the difference when seconds count.
Having safety equipment and knowing how to use it can greatly reduce risk and may even save lives in an emergency.
Smoke Alarm |
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If you have a fire, smoke alarms can cut your risk of dying by nearly in half. |
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- Smoke alarms can be purchased at a variety of home improvement, hardware and other retail stores.
- Install smoke alarms on every level of your home, outside sleeping areas and in areas that house animals.
- Use the test button to test your smoke alarms monthly.
- To prevent nuisance alarms, vacuum cobwebs and dust from your smoke alarms monthly.
- Never disable a smoke alarm, even if you experience nuisance alarms while cooking or showering.
- If you have battery-powered smoke alarms, replace the batteries at least once a year.
- Replace your smoke alarms every 10 years.
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Carbon Monoxide Detector |
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Carbon monoxide is the most dangerous indoor air pollutant. A carbon monoxide detector can alert you if this colorless, odorless and tasteless gas is in your home. |
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Learn more: |
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Fire Extinguisher |
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Have one or more working fire extinguishers in your home. |
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An extinguisher rated A-B-C is recommended for home use.
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Install extinguishers high on the wall, near an exit, and away from heat sources.
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Make sure everyone in your household knows where the extinguisher is and how to use it.
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Inspect your fire extinguisher monthly. Click here to learn how.
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Learn more: |
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Portable Generator
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Portable generators are useful when temporary or remote electric power is needed. But they can also be hazardous, so it is important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions. |
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Prevent carbon monoxide hazards:
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Locate the unit outdoors and away from doors, windows, and vents that could allow carbon monoxide to come indoors.
- Never use a portable generator indoors, including in homes, garages, basements, crawl spaces, and other enclosed or partially enclosed areas, even with ventilation. Opening doors and windows or using fans will not prevent carbon monoxide buildup.
- Click here to learn about carbon monoxide.
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Prevent electrical hazards: |
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- Keep the portable generator dry. Do not use it where it could get wet by rain or snow. Dry your hands before touching it.
- Plug appliances directly into the portable generator.
- If an extension cord is necessary, use a heavy-duty outdoor-rated extension cord that is rated (watts or amps) equal to or greater than the sum of the connected appliance loads. Check that the cord is free of cuts or tears and that the plug has all three prongs.
- Never try to power the home wiring by plugging the portable generator into a wall outlet. It is extremely dangerous and poses an electrocution risk to utility workers and neighbors served by the same utility transformer. It also bypasses some of the circuit protection devices built into your home.
- If you must connect a portable generator to home wiring to power appliances, consult a qualified electrician.
- For power outages, permanently installed stationary generators are better suited for providing backup power to a home. Contact a qualified electrician.
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Prevent fire hazards: |
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- Never store fuel in your home. Store it outside of living areas in properly labeled, non-glass, safety containers. Do not store it near a fuel-burning appliance, such as a natural gas water heater.
- Before refueling, turn off the generator and let it cool down. Gasoline spilled on hot engine parts could ignite.
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Learn more: |
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Information is not intended to be a substitute for appropriate medical advice. Links to external sites do not constitute endorsements by Macomb County.
Macomb County Web Site
