Prevention is still the best way to safeguard the family and property from damage caused by fire. These precautions may seem simple yet are sometimes neglected by many. They are basic preventive measures but are always the best means in preventing a fire to occur. Remembering and knowing these following safety tips will help avoid fire from occurring especially at home.
Basic home safety tips:
Smoke detectors or alarms. Install smoke detectors in each room but see to it that each smoke detector installed has specific features that are made for each room. A bedroom for example has a different type of detector compared to that of the kitchen area’s smoke detector. A smoke detector that comes with an emergency lighting may be the best choice. Also opt for smoke detectors that can be hard-wired into the electric system in order for smoke detectors to all go off at once. Regularly clean and dust these smoke detectors and always check if they are working properly.
Fire egress. Escape routes are very important to any type of building. It is required to have at least two exit points in a room that has high occupant rate. Make sure to have easy access and safe exit routes for rooms at home that are most frequently used. Fire exits and routes are actually required for any type of building as stated to any building code regardless of the state or country. To add access, consider having a durable ladder that may be kept near windows.
Fire drills. Fire drills are important and are a good foundation to get coordinated during an actual fire. This is needed most especially by kids. Smoke and power failure can occur during the actual fire. To simulate this it is best to be blindfolded during the drill. It will help family members get around and eventually find their way out of the house. Set the time and try to beat the best score on every drill. A fire drill is a good way to get prepared when things gets worse during an actual fire.
Use electricity safely. One of the main causes of fire in many households is associated to electrical devices. Circuit overloading, frayed wires and overheating are usual sources of fire. Regularly check outlets and light sockets. It is best to unplug appliances especially before leaving the house. When there are signs of any tampering or overheating contact a licensed electrician to check on it. Never use sub-standard electrical devices or appliances. Check if the purchased electrical appliances or devices have met the UL standards for safety. Avoid placing cords under rugs or against walls where heat might build up or in contact with liquid.
Precautionary measures on flammable materials. Candles and matches should not be left unsupervised most specially with children. Store these items on a safe area where it cannot be reached. Gas, oil and other flammable materials should be safely stored as well.
Invest in fire extinguishers. A fire extinguisher is a reliable source of first aid against any combustion that might occur. A fire extinguisher should be readily available and easily accessed especially on kitchens and garages. There are different types of extinguishers specifically made for different types of fire. For example an extinguisher that can put away oil fires should be placed in the kitchen.
In an event that an actual fire occurs, listed below are some useful tips on how to handle the situation:
Handle small fires. The first thing is to calm down. When the fire has started in a wastebasket or on top of a stove, put it out with a fire extinguisher. If there are no accessible fire extinguishers, place a lid over the flame. A large damp towel or cloth can also be placed over the flame. But don’t do this for more than 30 seconds or so, small fires can actually grow into bigger fires within seconds.
Quickly get out of the house. When worse comes to worse it is better to go out of the house quickly. Fire can spread and grow quickly. Don’t attempt to go back and salvage anything, fire can spread and grow fast in just a matter of seconds.
Call for help. Immediately call for help from a neighbor’s home or from any other available phone. The fire department should be notified at once, as to prevent further spreading of the fire.