Safety precautions, a home security system and smoke detectors are the basics for home safety. Be sure to round out your family’s means of protection by purchasing and placing fire extinguishers throughout the home that can keep small fires form turning into larger, devastating ones.

• One on each floor: This is a minimum. It’s better to have too many than too few.

• Susceptible areas: Most fires start in the kitchen, but it’s also a good idea to place a fire extinguisher in the garage where flammable materials like building materials and solvents are often stored.

• Easily seen: The devices may not fit in with your home décor, but you’ll be glad that they’re easy to locate if a small fire occurs. Hang them on the wall by doors, no more than five feet above the ground.

Rest easy at night with the peace of mind that an ADT home alarm system can provide. But don’t forget these simple safety measures to help keep you safe when it’s time to go to bed.

1. Flame-resistant mattress: Check the fire safety label on any mattress before you buy it and make sure that it says it’s flame-retardant.
2. Flashlights: Stash flashlights in your bedside table to use during a power outage. And remember that in the event of a power outage, your ADT equipment includes a back-up battery that will keep the system operating during the outage.
3. Smoke/carbon monoxide detectors: Routinely confirm that the detectors and batteries inside are in working order.

Hot water is a hazard not covered by your ADT alarm system that often goes unnoticed in homes. But it takes only a second to be scalded in a home accident. Use caution and follow these home safety tips to help prevent scalds:

• Set the temperature: Set the temperature of your hot water heater to 120 degrees Fahrenheit.

• Test tub water: Always run your hand through bathtub water to check it’s a safe temperature before getting in or placing your child in it.

• Install special spouts: Buy specially made tub spout and shower heads that help prevent burns by turning off the water flow if the water reaches a temperature that can lead to burns.

• Cook safely: Keep children away from the stove, use oven mitts and turn pot handles toward the back of the stove while cooking. Be careful when sipping hot drinks and drink out of a container with a tight-fitting lid.

Although it’s how you get from point A to point B in your home, the hallway is often overlooked while critiquing a home’s safety. Check out these steps to help you secure your staircases and hallways.

1. Smoke alarms: Install smoke and carbon monoxide detectors in these areas because these may be escape routes when your home alarm system alerts you to an emergency.
2. Nightlights: Light pathways with plug-in nightlights to help prevent falls.
3. Rugs: Secure edges with tape so they won’t slide around. Also prevent falls by picking up stray items.
4. Handrails: Install handrails on stairways (and safety grips if a senior is in your home) to help in everyday maneuvering.
5. Safety gates: Find one that fits your needs, whether it’s to keep a wandering toddler or puppy from getting up and down stairs. But learn how to disengage it so you can get out when your ADT home security system sounds in an emergency.