Fires cause billions of dollars in damages every year to homes across the country, not to mention the thousands of needless deaths that occur as well. You never know when a fire may start in your home, and once started, a fire can burn very quickly. However, there are steps you can take to fire proof your home, which can not only save your home and possessions, but also the lives of you and your loved ones.
Smoke alarms are the very first thing that should go up on the walls of your home. They are the number one line of defense against detecting a fire. With a fire detector, if a fire occurs, you may be able to put it out in time. However, they are essential in alerting you and your family in the event a fire does occur. A smoke detector should be installed on each floor, and in all bedrooms, especially your childrens’ rooms. The batteries should be changed twice a year, as well.
Fire extinguishers are the next essential item to have when fire proofing your home. A multipurpose fire extinguisher should be kept on each floor of the house, in the kitchen and near the furnace and the water heater. Educate yourself and your family on the proper way to use it, and be sure that it is checked over every month for leaks.
Avoid clutter in the home that can contribute to fires. Stacks of newspapers, old magazines, boxes, and even linens and towels can all quickly go up in flames by a small spark. Reduce, reuse, and recycle if possible, or just throw away all unnecessary papers and flammable materials.
When doing home improvements or building a new house, be sure to use the best fire-resistant materials that you can. Asphalt-fiberglass is one material that can be used that is flame-retardant. Stay away from wood shingles and other materials that burn easily. Also, check to make sure all vents and weep holes are fitted with special spark guards, which help to prevent fires.
Have a specialist come in annually to check all your heating sources. Even if you believe everything is working in tip-top shape, it is better to be safe than sorry. Your stove, oven, dryer, furnace and space heater should always be thoroughly checked, as these are sources of many fires. Any space heaters should be kept away from curtains, sheets, or other flammable materials, and should be closely supervised.
Fireplaces are nice, but can be a definite source of a fire in the home. Having your hearth and chimney cleaned once a year is important to keep the fireplace clear and unblocked. When burning wood in the fire, make sure that your protective screen is up at all times to ensure that a spark does not escape. Make sure that all the wood is completely extinguished before leaving the room for bed or leaving the house.
Electrical issues are one of the biggest reasons a house fire starts. Keep all extension cords and power bars to the bare minimum, and never let an outlet become overloaded. Use safety power bars that automatically switch off if there is a problem. Fuses should be replaced if they are old or worn, by a certified electrician.
Smoking is another popular hazard that starts house fires. Smoking in bed is a big no-no as you could fall asleep smoking and set your bed or chair on fire. Make sure that all smoking materials are extinguished before you discard them, and that ashtrays do not have any smoldering embers before emptying them.
Talk to your children about the dangers of fire, and educate them on fire safety. Explain that lighters, matches, stoves, candles and any other fire source is strictly off limits to them. Put up any lighters and matches that you can so they are not easily assessable. Teach your children how to dial 911 in the event of a fire, and plan an escape route for the whole family to follow. Make sure they understand the consequences of playing with fire.
Fire proofing your home is a very important step, whether you own your home or are just renting. Follow these steps closely to keep your home fire-free, and your loved ones safe.