Protect Your Home from Fire
First of all, you should keep all matches and lighters out of reach of children. Children may not intend to start a fire, but chances are if they find a lighter or book of matches, they will play with them. The result could be a fire. The simple act of keeping these things out of reach can go a long way in preventing fires.
When you light your furnace, you should first clean it out, change the filter, and inspect it for any gas leaks. If you find that there are any leaks, have them fixed immediately. You should also inspect your hot water heater periodically, just to be safe.
Another appliance that needs cleaning from time to time is your clothes dryer. We all know to empty the lint trap, but not everyone thinks to also check and clean any lint buildup out of the exhaust hose. The buildup that can accumulate there can ignite without warning. You should never leave your dryer running when you are not home.
Be sure the stove and oven are turned off when not in use, and when in use, monitor them. Food left unattended can burn and start a fire when you least expect it. If left on when not in use, any food particles that are left behind may also ignite. You should never leave food cooking when you are not at home to watch it.
If you use space heaters, be sure to keep them away from curtains or any other flammable material. Be careful not to place anything over them either. Most importantly, never leave a space heater on when you are not home.
If you have a fireplace or woodstove, be sure that the chimney is cleaned and it is working properly before using it. Have guard in place around them too. Many accidental fires are started from using fireplaces and woodstoves without proper ventilation, or from a spark flying out onto a flammable surface. When using a fireplace or woodstove, be sure you monitor it.
During the holiday season, lights are often hung. They are beautiful, but can be a fire hazard. When hanging your lights, you want to be sure that you do not have too many strings plugged in to the same outlet. This can cause the circuit to overload, or even short circuit, and can cause a fire. It is best to unplug all lights if you are not home, to safeguard against fire.
Along with holiday lights, other electrical wires can be a fire hazard. It is important that you do not plug too many things into the same outlet. It is a good idea to use safety outlets that will automatically shut down when overloaded. It is also a good idea to have the wiring in your home checked to be sure it is safe. Often times, especially with older homes, the wiring needs replaced.
Although many fires can be prevented, some fires just happen. Even with new wiring in a house, and all other safeguards, they still happen. Just in case of fire, every home should be equipped with smoke detectors and fire extinguishers. Smoke detectors should be placed in areas where a fire is most likely to happen, such as close to furnaces and in kitchens. They should also be placed close to bedrooms. Fire extinguishers should be placed in places where they would be most likely to be needed, and even close to bedrooms for easy access. Both smoke detectors and fire extinguishers need to be maintained fro proper use. In smoke detectors, batteries should be replaced at least every six months, and they should be tested periodically. Fire extinguishers should be checked as recommended by the manufacturer or company that supplies them.
Last but not least, every family should have a fire safety plan in place. Every member of the household should know how to get out of the house and where to go in the event of a fire. It is best to meet across the street from your home, and not in the yard. Emphasize to children the importance of getting out of the house as quickly as possible and going to the designated meeting place. Have a plan in place for the first one out to go to a neighbor’s house to call for help. Be sure that your children know that they are not to go into the house for any reason once they are out until it is safe.
House fires have many causes, some preventable. Taking precautions can help to prevent some fires. Having safety equipment in the home in case of a fire may not save your material possessions, but they can help to save your most valuable possessions, your family.
