Against the sad backdrop of a Dec. 25 fatal house fire in Quakertown and a devastating Jan. 7 blaze in Phila., Grand View Health, Sellersville, seeks to prevent further disasters of this type. Toward that end, it offers these smoke alarm recommendations and fire safety reminders:

• Install smoke alarms on every floor of your house, including inside each bedroom, outside all sleeping areas, and in finished basements
• Mount them on ceilings or high on walls to increase efficacy
• Change the batteries twice a year. To help remember, schedule fresh battery swaps in conjunction with resetting clocks for Daylight Savings/Standard Time
• Replace units every 10 years, including those that are hardwired
• Test detectors periodically by holding the test button; use the tests also to review escape procedures with household members
• Never remove the battery, even if it goes off accidentally (such as during a meal prep)
• Don’t let finances interfere with your safety. If the purchase of a smoke detector is outside your budget, free ones are available from the Red Cross of Southeastern Pennsylvania

These best practices should augment residents’ general response to a fire outbreak: exit via a rehearsed plan; keep a working fire extinguisher handy; keep lighters and matches away from children; never smoke in bed; keep space heaters clear of debris and turned off overnight; clean your fireplace annually; ensure that your dryer vent is free of lint.

More fire safety advice from Grand View Health is available online.