Is your child safe staying overnight at a friend’s home? Before you permit your child to sleep over with a friend, talk to the child’s parents. Depending on what you learn, it can either uncover serious fire dangers or give you peace of mind during your child’s sleepover. The majority of fire deaths occur late at night and if you don’t know for certain that the home is equipped with working smoke alarms, and that the sleepover will be supervised by an adult, don’t take the risk.

Use the following checklist to ensure your child’s safety:

Before you say YES:

• How well do you know the home?
• Is the home in a safe area?
• Is there an easy escape route for your child to leave out of in case of an emergency?
• Is your child comfortable in the home?
• Are you comfortable leaving your child there overnight?

How well do you know the parents?

• Are they mature, responsible and conscientious?
• Will they supervise the children throughout the stay?
• Are they cautious of smoking materials such as candles, matches and lighters?

Ask the parents:

• Are working fire alarms on every floor and inside/outside of each sleeping area of the home?
• Are the alarm interconnected?
• Do you have a well-rehearsed fire escape plan?
• Where will my child be sleeping?

For more fire safety checklists view:
Four Smart Moves That Can Save Your House and Family
Stay Safe With the Earthwise Fire Safety Checklist