Home Fire Safety is Very Important
A fire is one of the most destructive things that can happen to a home. A small fire can quickly become life-threatening, and within a few minutes, the whole property may be engulfed in flames. This is why home fire safety should be a top priority for every family.
Place Smoke Alarms Throughout Your Home
Place smoke alarms outside every bedroom, in the attic, garage, and basement. The kitchen should also have a fire detector within 10 feet of cooking appliances. Test these alarms regularly and replace their batteries every six months.
Be Careful with Electrical Appliances
Overloading wall sockets and running electric cords under carpets is a fire risk. The same applies if you do not take proper care with electrical appliances, particularly ones that generate heat such as kettles, irons, and heaters. The latter in particular should never be used near anything flammable.
Don’t Leave a Fire Unattended
Never leave a fire burning unattended in your fire pit. It only takes one spark to ignite a fire that can quickly get out of hand, resulting in injuries and property damage.
Fire Extinguishers are Important for Home Fire Safety
Fire extinguishers should be a part of every home fire safety system. Keep a fire extinguisher on every floor of your home, including the basement and the attic. One should also be in the kitchen, as many fires start in the kitchen from cooking. Make sure that everyone in your home knows where the fire extinguishers are kept and how to use them.
Fire extinguishers are rated for different situations. Most of the time, homeowners will want Class A (general combustibles) or Class K (cooking oils), though it’s possible that you will need extinguishers that put out other types of fires. Know the different classes and equip your home accordingly.
Home Fire Safety Includes Being Prepared
Even when you practice home fire safety, it’s possible you may have to deal with a fire in your home. You can prepare for a worst-case scenario by:
- Keeping your bedroom door closed while you sleep. If a fire breaks out elsewhere in the home, this will block the smoke and give you a better chance to escape.
- Storing digital copies of valuable documents, such as photos, IDs, birth certificates, and health records in a safe place online. While having a digital copy won’t replace having the real thing, being able to access information if the original was destroyed in a fire will be helpful.
Have an Escape Plan
Part of practicing home fire safety is having an escape plan. Make sure every member of your household knows how to get out of the home in case of fire. Include multiple ways to safety in the event that a path is blocked.
Make sure they know that smoke always rises to the ceiling and that they should crawl along the floor toward the exit. When you get to a closed door and it’s hot, do not open it. You will have to find another way out.
Professional Inspection Network provides home inspection services for Southern California. Contact us to schedule an appointment.