Your home should be a safe space for your family – a comfortable place to relax and spend time with loved ones. However, house fires occur every year. Aside from property damage, a fire can lead to injuries or fatalities. It only takes a small spark to ignite a blaze, and the consequences can be devastating. Here are several tips to improve fire safety in your home and keep your family safe.
Ways to Improve Fire Safety
1. Install Smoke Detectors
Smoke detectors can save lives. These devices alert family members to smoke and fire in the home, allowing them to exit quickly. Install smoke detectors in every bedroom, living room, and hallway to ensure occupants are alerted in case of a fire. Make sure there is at least one detector on every level of your home. Test the devices regularly to verify they are functioning, and replace the batteries as needed.
2. Fire Extinguishers
Keep a fire extinguisher on every floor of your house, including in the kitchen, basement, and garage. A fire extinguisher is a small investment that can prevent significant losses when used correctly. Select the correct fire extinguisher for the various types of flames in the home, including paper, grease, and electrical fires. Make sure all occupants know how to use the device in case of fire.
3. Be Careful with Portable Heaters
When the weather gets chilly, portable heaters are great for adding warmth to a room, but use them carefully. Don’t place your space heater near combustible materials like curtains, furniture, or carpets. Keep children and pets away from heaters and turn them off when leaving a room. Don’t plug a heater into a power strip or extension cord, and never run the appliance overnight or when a space is unoccupied.
4. Use Caution in the Kitchen
Many house fires start in the kitchen, usually due to cooking. Keep the stove clean and free of grease to help prevent fires. When cooking, turn pot handles towards the back of the stove, keep kitchen towels away from the burners, and never leave food cooking unattended. Don’t wear loose clothing that might catch fire when cooking.
5. Plan an Escape Route to Improve Fire Safety
Create an escape route with your family, determining two exits from each room. Make a plan and decide where to meet in case evacuation is necessary. Choose a safe place or a landmark a short distance from the home. Practice the escape route with your children and explain how to crawl below the smoke to exit the house safely.
These practical tips help protect your family and belongings from the dangers of a house fire. Fire safety involves preventing fires and ensuring all occupants understand how to respond in case one occurs. Invest time in creating an escape plan and educating everyone in the house, especially young children. You’ll keep your family and property safe.
Affiliated Home Inspections offers inspections to homebuyers and sellers in Jacksonville and surrounding areas. Contact us to request our services.