Fire Prevention Measures For Your Home This Winter
The invention of fire was one of humanity's most significant discoveries. It has played a crucial role in sustaining human civilization, providing warmth, cooking food, and even lighting up the darkness. However, with great power comes great responsibility. Fire can be destructive if not handled carefully. Here are four home safety fire precautions to keep you and your loved ones safe.
1. Install smoke detectors
Smoke detectors are essential devices that provide early warnings by detecting smoke and fire before they have a chance to spread. They play a significant role in reducing fire-related deaths in homes, to the extent that some states even mandate their installation by law.
Despite their importance, smoke detectors can be useless if you place them in the wrong spot or fail to check their batteries. A good rule of thumb is to install a smoke detector on the ceiling or high up on walls on every floor of your house, including basements. However, in the kitchen, keep them at least 10 feet away from the stove to avoid false alarms.
If any members of your household have trouble hearing, consider smoke detectors with strobe lights and bed shakers. Most importantly, check the batteries of your smoke detectors regularly, as recommended by the manufacturer, and replace them at least twice a year.
2. Have fire extinguishers
A fire extinguisher is another essential device that can help you control small fires before they get out of hand. They come in different types (A, B, and C), each designed to put out specific kinds of fires.
Class A is for ordinary combustibles (paper, wood, cloth), Class B is for flammable liquids (gasoline, oil), and Class C is for electrical equipment. A professional like WireNut Home Services can help you choose the right type of extinguisher for your home.
3. Have an escape plan
A small fire in your home can rage out of control within minutes. Everyone there must be out of the house and in a safe location in an instant. To achieve this, you need to have an escape plan in place.
Sit down with your family to discuss the best ways to get out of the house in case of a fire. Identify at least two escape routes from every room, and make sure everyone knows where the meeting point is outside. Then, take some time to practice this plan regularly so that it becomes second nature.
4. Keep combustible items away from heat sources
Things like candles, curtains, and even furniture can easily catch fire if they are too close to heat sources. Be mindful of where you place these items in your home, keeping them at least 3 feet away from sources of heat such as stoves, heaters, and electrical outlets.
Also, never leave cooking appliances unattended while in use. If you need to step away for any reason, turn off the stove or oven first. Something could easily catch fire, and the blaze could quickly spread while you are away.
Protecting your home and loved ones from fire should be a top priority. Visit our Instagram and Facebook pages to find out more about home safety and prevention tips.
