Some of the most important things in our lives are in our homes. It’s where we keep our personal belongings and where our families reside, so keeping everything safe is vital.
The last thing you want is for your home to catch fire and burn down, but unfortunately, it is among the most common emergencies people face at home. While not all fires are preventable, you can take steps to make your home as safe as possible. Here are some great home fire safety tips:
Tip #1: Install and Maintain Smoke Detectors
A fire in a house can spread quickly, and it’s important to be alerted when one starts. You may be unaware of a fire if you are in another room or even sleeping. That’s why installing smoke detectors around your home is the most important device you can have for fire prevention.
Smoke detectors use sensors to detect particles in the air from smoke and trigger an alarm. Some can also identify excessive heat. You should have smoke detectors in every bedroom, in the kitchen and at all levels of your house. Regularly check them by pushing the test button to trigger the alarm. If the alarm is weak or not working, replace the batteries. This monthly spot check will help keep everyone safe.
Tip #2: Fire Extinguishers and Fire Blankets
If you have a fire, it’s important to put it out if you can. Fires start small but quickly spread, so you need to act fast and have the right fire suppression equipment close by.
A great home fire safety tip is to purchase a few fire extinguishers and have them on every level of the home. One at the front door and one by the kitchen is the perfect location. Learn how to use one and teach every family member as well. Buy some fire blankets to have in the house also. They are easy to use and work in several ways. You can place them on fires to smother the flames, and they can also be used as a thermal shield if you need to escape a burning room.
Tip #3: Fireplaces, Candles and Cigarettes
We all love the warmth of a fireplace. It can heat your home and help provide an intimate setting to relax in the evening. Candles also help set the mood and provide a soothing flicker of light in a room. Open flame is dangerous if left unattended so make sure you monitor your fires and use a screen, so no sparks shoot out into the room. When leaving the room, blow out candles and make sure the fireplace is out.
If you are a smoker, be careful not to leave your lit cigarette unattended. Never smoke in bed because you can easily fall asleep before you butt out. Always use a fireproof ashtray and fully extinguish your cigarettes.
Tip #4: Space Heaters and Grills
There are some places in your home where you may need to plug in a space heater to provide warmth. It could be in the basement, garage, or even your tool/she shed. Ensure to keep them away from the wall and don’t have any combustible material nearby. Keep a 3-foot berth around them so nothing can ignite.
BBQs and grills are great for outdoor cooking, and we all love to eat outside in the summer months. Some people even extend their grilling into the colder seasons. Make sure to keep your BBQS in a safe, protected area, away from shrubs and bushes. Keep them clean so no grease or food build-up can ignite and spread.
Tip #5: Combustibles
Any loose material that can burn should be attended to. In your home, these are flammable items like paper and cardboard. Keep it well organized and away from any open flames. Regularly remove the lint from your dryer to prevent overheating or catching on fire.
Outside, keep your gutters clean, so there is no accumulation of dry leaves and needles. Loose brush or garbage should never be laying around your yard because it’s fuel for a fire. Store fuel in approved containers and keep them in your shed or another safe place.
Tip #6: Have a Family Fire Safety Plan
Everyone who lives in your home is in danger during a fire. Put together a safety plan and ensure everyone knows what to do in an emergency. Create multiple escape routes out of the house and a muster station outside for all to meet up. Have an escape ladder on the second floor and a tool to break a window if needed. Make sure your kids know what the smoke detector sounds like, and if they can’t find an adult during a fire, follow the escape routes and get out of the house. When everyone is prepared for a fire, there is a better chance that no one will be harmed.
Being prepared for a fire is important for the whole family. You can always replace stuff because it’s just stuff. Keeping your family away from harm is the best way to show love. Use these fire safety tips in your home and protect everything you care about.
