5 Ways To Prevent Fire At Home
“It takes 5 minutes, on average, for a house to be fully engulfed in flames, and you may have less than 2 minutes to get out safely.”
At least, that's what many available reports say. Discover 5 ways to prevent fires at home and learn what we suggest doing to minimize the risk of extensive damage.
1. SMOKE DETECTORS
Ensure that smoke detectors are installed on every floor of your home and regularly test them regularly to ensure they are functioning properly.
2. HEATING EQUIPMENT
Keep children, pets and flammable items (paper, matches, bedding, furniture, clothing, carpets, and rugs) away from heat sources such as stoves, heaters, and fireplaces.
If you have a fireplace, use a glass or metal fire screen to keep fire and embers inside.
If you have heating equipment such as a space heater, place it on a nonflammable surface, for example, a ceramic tile floor. Avoid placing it on rugs, carpets or near drapes.
When using space heaters, it is important to plug them directly into outlets, rather than using an extension cord."
Turn off portable heaters when you go to sleep.
Don't leave cooking food unattended and keep a fire extinguisher in the kitchen.
Don't overload electrical outlets or extension cords.
Keep a close eye on candles and make sure to blow them out when you leave the room or go to bed.
3. SURGE PROTECTORS
A surge in power is when you are most likely to experience an electrical fire. Plug items into a surge protector, so you don’t have to worry about excess electricity causing a fire.
4. OUT OF POWER?
Use flashlights instead of candles.
Turn off or unplug all unnecessary electrical equipment, including sensitive electronics.
Turn off or disconnect any appliances like stoves etc. or electronics you were using when the power went out. When power comes back on, surges or spikes can damage equipment.
If you are using a generator, be sure you understand the risks of carbon monoxide poisoning.
Leave one light turned on so you’ll know when the power comes back on.
5. ADDITIONAL TIPS
Cut the clutter in your home, because it can start a fire spontaneously, but it can also make a fire spread more excessively.
Change the filters of dryers and heaters often, because if lint fills up the filter, the heat from the furnace can actually ignite it.
Keep the debris from the outside of your home like firewood, leaves, and other flammable materials away. It can easily catch fire from stray ashes or sparks.
Please, do not smoke in the home. Cigarettes have additives inside of them that can continue to burn even if you think that you’ve put them out.
Have an emergency plan in place and practice it with your family.