Generally, many fires in the residential buildings are caused by a single moment of carelessness and could be easily prevented. Unfortunately, each year thousands of people are injured or killed due to house fires, which also cost millions of dollars in property damage. It is extremely important to be aware of possible fire hazards around the home and to take steps to protect you and your family from fire.
So, gather fire safety materials and practice different escape routes, as well as a safe meeting place, to ensure your family’s safety.
1 – House Keeping:
Reduce amount of flammable and combustible materials, to reduce ignition hazards. Keep space heaters at least 3 feet away from all combustibles
Allow for proper ventilation when using flammable liquids and hazardous materials.
You need to clear walkways and stairways to ensure safe emergency evacuation routes.
Trim trees away from electrical wires and from chimney and remove all pine needles and leaves from roofs, eaves & rain gutters
Have chimney inspected and cleaned annually. Dispose of ashes in metal containers.
Avoid overloading electrical circuits and inspect electrical cords and appliances for damage.
When you’re cooking, be alert and never leave cooking unattended.
2 – Smoke Alarms:
Installing smoke alarms in your home or office is recommended. In fact, smoke alarms are the first line of defense. These alarms emit a loud sound when smoke is detected, so you have precious time to escape safely. At minimum, one alarm should be placed on every level of the building, including basements and attics, but placing one smoke alarm close to each bedroom is ideal. It will alert you and others if a fire breaks out while you’re sleeping.
Test and vacuum out detectors once a month, and change the batteries when you change your clock in the spring and fall.
Replace smoke alarm units every 10 years.
How to Use the Fire Extinguisher Accurately (howtobuildahouseblog.com)
3 – Fire Extinguishers:
Fire extinguishers are another part of your first line of defense.
Keep “ABC-type” fire extinguisher in the kitchen, basement, garage, and workshop for extinguish all types of fires.
It is mandatory to learn how to use the fire extinguisher before you need to use it in an emergency.
Use fire extinguisher only on small fires.
4 – Family Escape Plan:
Escape ladders are highly recommended for fire-preparing a multi-level home, especially if the main sleeping areas are on the second floor or higher. These ladders are rope ladders that quickly attach to your windowsill, giving you and your family an additional escape route if you’re unable to reach the main floor.
Develop a home escape plan that includes:
– Crawling low under smoke
– Two exits out of every room
– A meeting place outside
– Practice escape plan with every member of family
– Teach all family members how to dial an emergency
