Every year, hundreds of thousands of house fires occur in the United States. While there are different causes of fire, acting quickly and having fire safety protocols in place can help save your family and your property. Learn how to keep your home and loved ones protected with these tips for fire safety in the home.
Maintain the Smoke Alarms
Smoke alarms are essential devices for fire safety. Install a smoke detector in every bedroom, outside of each sleeping area, and in areas of the home like the kitchen, attic, and basement.
Change your smoke detector batteries twice each year when you change your clocks, and test the devices every month to make sure the alarm will sound.
You might also consider investing in dual-sensor smoke detectors. These combine the benefits of traditional ionization detectors that detect big, blazing flames with the benefits of photoelectric detectors that alert you to smaller, smoldering fires. The investment you make in fire safety will pay off if a fire occurs.
Good Home Fire Safety Practices
Many house fires can be prevented. Candles burning near curtains or unattended food left cooking on the stove are two examples of situations that can be avoided. Teach your family how to practice fire safety in the home.
- Never leave food on the stove unattended while it is cooking.
- Turn pot handles inward so they won’t be bumped when walking by.
- Use child-proof lighters and store matches out of reach of children.
- Extinguish candles when leaving the room.
- For electrical safety, replace cords that are frayed or damaged.
- Use power strips safely.
- Empty the dryer lint trap every time you operate the clothes dryer.
- Have the chimney cleaned and inspected at least once each year.
- Move the grill at least 10 feet away from the home and other structures.
- Turn off space heaters when you leave the room.
Fire safety requires everyone in your family to cooperate, so it’s important that your family members are well-informed.
Have a Safety Plan in Case a Fire Occurs
If a fire does happen in your home, you have only seconds to react and exit the building. When you discuss fire safety at home, take the time to create a plan to practice with your family.
Make sure to designate at least two exits from each room. Discuss how you will alert others in case of a fire. Teach family members how to use a fire extinguisher and how to know when it’s best to leave the home and call for help.
Fire safety is a family effort. Get everyone on board to protect your home and your belongings.
DJR Home Inspections provides inspection services in central and southern New Jersey. Contact us to schedule an appointment.