Fire Safety Prevention Tips

4/20/2018 (Permalink)

Fire Safety Prevention and Preparedness Tips

Questions to ask yourself…..

• Do you have a properly installed smoke detector?  When is the last time you tested it and changed the batteries?
• Do your children know what the alarm on your smoke detector sounds like?
• Do you have an escape plan?  Have you practiced it with all members of your household?
• Do your younger household members know how to STOP, DROP, and ROLL?
• Do you have properly working fire extinguishers in your home and do you know how to use them?

Practices makes for a more prepared family.  Although there is no way to predict how you will react during an emergency situation, one of the most important things you can do, especially for younger members of your home, is to practice how to handle a fire in your home.

Once the fire is over, it is difficult to pick up the pieces.  If you were home when the fire began, you may have a lot of emotional ups and down.  The last thing you should have to worry about is coordinating contractors to get your house back to its original state and get the fire, water and smoke damage repaired.  

Here are a few tips for preventing fires at home:

Avoiding Electrical Outlet and Wiring Fires

Electrical fires account for about 24,000 residential fires every year. Some of the most common causes of these fires are due to everyday usage of power cords and electrical outlets. Here are a few ways you can reduce these electrical hazards.

• Avoid using outlet extenders or power strip bars that can overload electrical circuits
• Replace all frayed or damaged electrical cords
• Do not pinch or cover electrical cords with furniture or rugs

Kitchen fires are very common.

• Refrain from microwaving materials such as aluminum foil, Styrofoam or paper products
• Never leave pots or pans unattended on a hot stove
• Keep your stove top and oven clean. Built up grease and other residue can ignite when exposed to high temperatures

How to Prevent Appliance Fires

Home structure fires are often the result of common household appliances. Every year, dishwashers, dryers, microwaves, refrigerators and toasters can become a fire hazard. Make sure to inspect and maintain your appliances to minimize the risk of fire.

• Remove lint from your dryer after each use
• Avoid using portable heaters and keep them clear of any materials such as curtains or blanket
• Have your heating system, chimney and fireplace serviced regularly. Be sure to never burn cardboard boxes or wrapping paper in your fireplace

Fire Prevention in the Garage and Outdoors

Our yards and outdoor spaces are often extensions of our living spaces. Hosting summer parties or barbecues and sitting around the fire on cold, winter nights are a lot of fun. And they are great ways to spend quality time with family and friends. But, hosting outdoor events can also increase the risk of property fires. Make sure to take the following precautions to fully enjoy your outdoor space.

• Properly prepare the area surrounding your backyard fire pit by raking the area and keeping it clear of any debris
• Be sure to properly extinguish any smoldering materials. Smoldering materials can burn for days before igniting a fire
• Avoid garage fires by storing oil, gas, paints and varnishes in a shed away from your home

How to Stay Safe in Case of a Fire

1. Install smoke alarms inside all bedrooms and outside any sleeping areas
2. Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors each month and replace the device’s batteries if they’re not working
3. Create a fire escape plan with all family members and practice the plan at least twice a year
4. In case of fire, get out and call for help. Never go back inside!

We suggest having two escape plans from every room. This is important in the event that one escape route becomes unavailable due to the path of the fire. It’s also very important to practice fire drills at least twice a year, especially with small children. This ensures they know what to do in the event of an emergency.

Remember, when it comes to fire safety, every second counts. Know the risks, eliminate unnecessary hazards and educate your family with escape planning. There are many ways to reduce the chances of having a deadly fire in your home. But, you should always have a fire escape plan in place. Never underestimate the power of preparedness when it comes to safety.