Whether it’s burning candles for jack-o’-lanterns or tiki torches in your backyard, fire safety is something that should always be practiced when handling open flames. At Millennium Fire & Security, we know the havoc that fires can wreak on your home or business.

Here are five tips to help you practice fire safety:

1. Check that all smoke and fire alarms are functioning properly

Ideally, you should test your fire alarms once a month and replace batteries twice a year. Millennium Fire & Security only offers top-of-the-line fire systems that meet or exceed the National Fire Prevention Association’s Codes and Standards.

2. Have an actionable fire plan

Knowing what you actually need to do and where to go are hallmarks of any good fire safety plan. This includes grabbing important documents and making sure everyone is present and accounted for.

3. Never leave a room with an open flame

All it takes is one bump, one trip, one mistimed movement and a harmless flame can transform into a life-threatening situation. Reduce your risks by never leaving an open flame (no matter how small) unattended.

4. Have at least one fire extinguisher

Keeping a fire extinguisher accessible is extremely important, but it’s even more important to know how to use it. Make sure all employees know the location of and how to operate the fire extinguisher. Remember “PASS” – Pull the pin, Aim the nozzle at the base of the fire, Squeeze the handle, and Sweep back and forth to put out the fire.

5. Embrace the cliché—Stop, Drop, and Roll

It’s a classic for a reason. In the unfortunate event of you or your clothing catching fire, make sure that you have this very basic but very essential movement down. It could save your life.

Millennium Fire & Security genuinely cares about you and your safety and wants to do everything in our power to ensure it. Which is why our safety and security systems regularly meet or exceed federal standards.