We earn a small commission if you buy through the Amazon links on this page, at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, MHCP USA earns from qualifying purchases. How we pick products.
A few inexpensive things, set up once and checked monthly, cover most of what can go wrong.
Smoke alarms
The U.S. Fire Administration recommends (checked September 2026):
- Put smoke alarms inside and outside each bedroom and sleeping area, and on every level of the home.
- Test them every month.
- Replace batteries at least once a year, unless the alarm has a sealed long-life battery.
- Replace the entire alarm every 10 years.
- Interconnected alarms, where one sounding sets off all of them, are the best choice.
Never pull the battery to stop a nuisance alarm while cooking. Open a window, press the hush button, and fan the air instead.
Carbon monoxide
Carbon monoxide has no smell and no color. If anything in your home burns fuel, like a gas furnace, water heater, stove, or a wood stove, put a CO alarm near sleeping areas and test it with your smoke alarms. Never run a generator, grill, or camp stove inside, or close enough that fumes can drift in.
Fire extinguishers and heaters
- Keep an extinguisher in the kitchen and one near an exit. Check the gauge monthly. The USFA has a short guide to using one.
- Keep anything that can burn at least 3 feet from space heaters, stoves, and other heat sources (USFA heating safety).
- Plug space heaters straight into a wall outlet, and turn them off when you leave the room or go to bed.
- Don’t store gas cans, propane tanks, or anything flammable under the home.
Two ways out
Know two ways out of every bedroom. Make sure windows open and that nothing blocks the doors. Practice with everyone in the house, including kids and anyone who needs help.
Severe weather
- Sign up for local emergency alerts and keep a NOAA weather radio for when the power or cell network is down.
- In a tornado warning, don’t shelter in a manufactured home. Get to a sturdy building if you have time, as the National Weather Service advises. Find your nearest one now.
- Keep a bag ready: medicine, documents, a flashlight, phone chargers, water, and a first aid kit.
- Check your anchoring before storm season.
Common questions
How often should I replace smoke alarms?
The U.S. Fire Administration says to replace the entire smoke alarm every 10 years, or as the manufacturer says for sealed long-life units.
Where should I go in a tornado warning?
Not in a manufactured home. The National Weather Service advises getting to a sturdy building if you have time. Know your nearest shelter before storm season.
Gear for this job
Kidde smoke and carbon monoxide combo alarm
One alarm that listens for smoke and carbon monoxide. Check whether your home needs a hardwired or battery unit before you order.
See it on Amazon: Kidde smoke and carbon monoxide combo alarm (opens in a new tab)Kidde plug-in carbon monoxide alarm
Worth having if anything in your home burns gas, oil, or wood. Put one near sleeping areas.
See it on Amazon: Kidde plug-in carbon monoxide alarm (opens in a new tab)First Alert home fire extinguisher (HOME1)
A general-purpose extinguisher for the kitchen or near an exit. Check the gauge when you test your alarms.
See it on Amazon: First Alert home fire extinguisher (HOME1) (opens in a new tab)First aid kit in a hard case
Keep it where everyone in the house can find it, and grab it when a storm warning goes out.
See it on Amazon: First aid kit in a hard case (opens in a new tab)Solar pathway lights, 12-pack
Light the path from the driveway to the steps without running wires.
See it on Amazon: Solar pathway lights, 12-pack (opens in a new tab)
This guide is general information, not legal, financial, or professional advice. Rules, codes, and laws vary by state and by community. When a job involves gas, electrical, anchoring, or structure, hire a licensed pro.