Your home is your safe space and no one understands that better than B Safe Security. Since 1978, the professionals a B Safe have worked to educate their clients about potential fire and security hazards inside their homes. Today’s technology can provide peace of mind as well as quick access to advanced security features and your local authorities. Prevention is always the best medicine, however, especially when it comes to fire. By taking extra precautions now, you can keep your family and your property safe. Here are 8 easy ways to effectively protect your home and family from a fire.
Be mindful of everyday appliances in your home and maintain them according to manufacturers’ guidelines. Clean the lint catcher in your dryer before each use and never leave the house or go to bed with the dryer running. Use caution when handling space heaters and maintain a three-foot clearance around the heating unit to avoid a fire.
Never leave a hot stove unattended, especially with curious children in the house. Be especially careful when handling hot grease or other flammables around the stove. Tie back long hair and roll up long sleeves to avoid catching them on fire. Have your gas appliances inspected on a regular basis to check for leaks.
Place fire extinguishers throughout the home in areas with a higher potential for fire like the kitchen, your office, or the garage. There are two basic types of home fire extinguishers, one for regular fires and one for oil-based fires. Keep an oil-based fire extinguisher in the kitchen as well as a regular extinguisher.
Visually inspect your appliances and power cables for any signs of wear and tear. Small animals are especially fond of chewing on power cables and exposed wires can cause an accidental electrocution as well as a fire. Faulty wiring will also give off a unique, burning smell when in use. Locate the source, unplug any devices, and call your electrician for an inspection.
If you have natural gas in your home, always be mindful of the sounds and smells associated with natural gas appliances. A hissing sound could indicate a leak either in the pipes or from the appliance itself. If you notice the smell of propane throughout your home, leave immediately and call for help. Regular inspections of your natural gas lines will reduce your chances of an accident.
Have your fireplace serviced regularly. Creosote is a type of carcinogen that collects inside your hearth and chimney when you burn wood in the fireplace. It is also highly flammable. Regular cleanings will prevent the buildup of creosote and ash. Installing a metal mesh or glass fire screen is also a good idea to prevent ash and sparks from landing in your carpet.
Smoking indoors is never a good idea and should be avoided if possible. Stray pieces of ash can easily settle on carpet or furniture and catch fire. If you smoke indoors, never smoke in bed, around gas appliances, or when you are tired. Opt for enclosed ashtrays that prevent the spread of ashes and reduce the amount of oxygen around the ashes.
Install smoke alarms in every room of the house, even the garage. Inspect and change out the batteries on a regular basis to ensure that your family is protected. Draw up escape plans and run drills with your family regularly so they know how to get to safety in the event of a fire.