Quiz: What’s Your Home Safety IQ?

Vapors from items like charcoal and oily rags sink to lower levels in your home, and can travel toward ignition sources such as pilot lights for gas water heaters, increasing the risk of fire.

“P-A-S-S” stands for “Pull the pin, Aim, Squeeze the trigger and Sweep side to side.” This method is the most effective way to use a fire extinguisher during an emergency.

Grab bars must be securely anchored into wall studs — not just drywall — to support weight and prevent dangerous falls.

Throw rugs are a major fall hazard. To test how safe a throw rug is, Lynda G. Shrager, author of Age in Place: A Guide to Modifying, Organizing, and Decluttering Mom and Dad’s Home, suggests the “Shrager Twist Test.” Step on the rug with your feet about 12 inches apart, then do the twist dance move. If the rug moves under your feet, it’s unsafe. To keep throw rugs from slipping, use silicone caulking on the back to anchor them to the floor.

Closing the bedroom door can keep smoke and flames out, potentially buying up to 20 minutes of escape time during a fire — crucial for survival.