Fire safety is one of the areas where a small amount of preparation dramatically changes outcomes, yet many households go years without reviewing even the basics. Smoke detectors should be tested monthly and have their batteries replaced at least once a year, ideally on a fixed, memorable date rather than "whenever it starts beeping." Every household should have at least one fire extinguisher accessible in the kitchen, rated for both grease and electrical fires, since a standard water-based extinguisher can make a grease fire significantly worse. Escape routes matter more than most families realise — a quick household discussion about two ways out of every room, particularly bedrooms, meaningfully improves response time in a real emergency. Electrical fires are a common but preventable risk, often caused by overloaded outlets or ageing wiring, which is worth having inspected periodically in older properties. For households with children, a simple, low-pressure fire drill once or twice a year builds muscle memory without creating unnecessary anxiety, and is one of the more valuable ten-minute investments a family can make.