Fires are devastating, yet common, occurrences that strike without warning and often come at a high personal and financial cost. When a fire breaks out, it spreads quickly and can engulf a home in as little as five minutes, posing a threat to everyone who is caught in its path. Home fires kill an average of seven people every day in the United States. Fortunately, fires can be avoided in the majority of cases.
Install Smoke Detectors
Smoke alarms are an important first step in preventing the spread of fire and lowering the risk of death or serious injury. When a fire occurs, alarms notify the home’s occupants. They should be interconnected and installed on every floor of a house. Interconnected alarms form an effective alert system because they communicate with one another and all sound off at the same time as the first alarm. Smoke alarms should be installed in the basement and near sleeping areas. If a family member has a disability, make sure to purchase one that is appropriate for that disability: a hearing-impaired person, for example, should have one with flashing lights rather than just an audible alarm.
Smoke alarms should be tested on a regular basis
Installing smoke alarms throughout the house isn’t enough. They should be inspected and tested on a regular basis to ensure that they are in working order. Every year, batteries should be replaced, and every ten years, the entire alarm unit should be replaced.
A fire extinguisher should be installed
Keep a fire extinguisher in the house to put out small fires quickly. When purchasing a fire extinguisher, make sure you get the right one and know how to use it properly. There are five different types of fire extinguishers, or classes. Each class extinguishes a distinct type of fire. A Class A extinguisher, for example, is designed for wood or paper fires, whereas a Class D extinguisher is designed for flammable metals and is typically used in factories. People should use a multipurpose extinguisher in their homes, which combines the capabilities of classes A, B, and C. For flammable liquids and grease, use Class B, and for electrical appliances and equipment, use Class C. Extinguishers for home use may be labeled as B-C or A-B-C extinguishers.
Remembering the acronym PASS can help you use a fire extinguisher. Pull the pin, Aim low, Squeeze the lever slowly, and Sweep from side to side are the acronyms for Pull the pin, Aim low, Squeeze the lever slowly, and Sweep from side to side. Check them from time to time to make sure the pressure gauge is still in the green zone and the pin is still in place to ensure they’re working properly.
Make a fire escape plan and practice it
Having an emergency escape plan can literally mean the difference between life and death in the event of a fire. Everyone should make a fire escape plan and share it with all members of their household. Businesses, too, should have a plan in place to ensure the safe evacuation of employees and customers in the event of an emergency. Two escape routes should ideally be outlined in each room. These routes should be familiarized by everyone, and the plan should be reviewed and practiced at least once a month. Determining where members of a household will meet once they’re outside the house is an important part of an escape plan. This should be a safe distance from the house and a familiar location.
Indoor smoking should be avoided
There should be clear rules about where people can light up in homes where one or more people smoke. The risk of catching fire in upholstery, carpeting, or bedding is increased by cigarette ash and the risk of dozing off while smoking. If a resident uses oxygen, it’s especially important not to smoke in the house because it can cause an explosion and hasten the spread of a fire. When smoking outside, cigarettes must always be completely extinguished in a sand can or an ashtray, never thrown to the ground.
Cook with caution
Another place where fire safety rules should be followed is the kitchen. It is, without a doubt, one of the most common places for a house fire to start. In a kitchen, heat from gas or electric stoves is combined with flammable materials and ingredients. As a result, when frying or broiling, cooking food should not be left unattended. Without adult supervision, young children should never be allowed to play in the kitchen or have access to the stove or oven. In general, they should be kept at least 3 feet away from the stove at all times, referred to as the “kid-free zone” in the kitchen. Adults and older children should avoid wearing long-sleeved or loose clothing that could come into contact with flames or hot burners when cooking. Paper towels, pot holders, and other flammable materials should also be kept away from hot surfaces.
Electrical Protection
In most homes, electrical appliances and equipment are standard. If these items’ wires and cords are damaged or handled incorrectly, they can cause fires. Plan to inspect appliances, computers, and other plug-in devices on a regular basis to ensure that there are no frayed or exposed wires. Never force a plug into an outlet; for example, a three-prong plug should never be used in a two-prong outlet.Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.