Do you know that Americans witness around 47,000 home-fire accidents each year? Well, the picture is really gory here leading to severe property damages and even forever loss of near and dear ones. In fact, home fires and burn injuries have shown to kill around 3,400 people annually and 8 in 10 fire-related casualties occur at the home only- which we also call "haven". However, we can reduce the grim stats effectively if we are little careful ourselves.
The post below offers some crucial fire safety tips to protect your home, yourself and your loved ones.
1.Fire prevention in kitchen
Please stay by your gas or microwave while the food is boiling or broiling or frying or grilling or on bake or roast. Move all the inflammable stuff- like dish towels, pot holders and paper towels- away from stove & heating elements. Don't allow little children and pets in the kitchen when you are cooking the food and even if they want to come, make sure they stand at a distance.
2.Tips with alarms
This is one of the most important tips when it comes to home fire safety. You must install smoke alarms at each level of the home. Get a monthly inspection of the alarms to check whether or not they are working fine. Replace the batteries annually and you have to get new ones once every 10 years. And yes, don't forget to educate everyone in your family about the sound and functioning of the smoke alarm.
3.Tips with chimneys
Then, old chimneys are also one of the major reasons behind fire accidents at home. So, it's suggested that you get the chimney inspected annually to find out the faults and needed repairs. If your chimney is in proper shape, you can prevent fire accidents by a great extent.
4.Tips with heaters
Heating, unmindful use of heater precisely, is the 2nd most important causes behind fire accidents at home. Portable electrical heaters can any day light up your window curtains or sheets if you are not careful about the placement. The rule of the thumb is to place space heaters with at least 3ft of free space around it, especially away from furniture, draperies and bedspreads. Make sure there are no pets or kids around when the heater is on. Besides, don't forget to get an annual inspection of your central-heating equipment.
5.Be careful of the electrical stuff
First of all, all your electrical outlets must be covered by protectors to prevent fire accidents at home. Frayed wires run the risk of sudden fire accidents just from an accidental spark and hence you must be careful about timely replacement of frayed wires. Then, if your plugs look wobbly or loose, don't delay to get proper replacements for your own safety. Besides, your fuses & breakers seem to tripping or blowing frequently, be careful to change those immediately. In short, you have to keep regular check on the electrical cords, fuses and plugs so that you are never late for the needed replacements- which will go a long way in securing your home from fire accidents. This is to stress here that electrical failure or malfunctioning is one of the prime causes behind fire accidents at home leading to a severe 1.5 billion USD worth property mayhem.
6.Candles can be dangerous too
Yes, candles are romantic and sweeps back to nostalgia but then the open flames can be really dangerous. No, you don't have to stop using them altogether but a smarter route is to opt for battery-operated candles. If you still are into conventional candles, please make sure they are not lit by any kid and if they are around when the candle is no- don't forget to put it off before leaving the room. And, yes, be smart and do not light candles in the bedroom.
Finally, make sure to educate the kids about the fire safety prevention tips so that they can take charge themselves when you are too busy. Have your fire escape plan handy and don't forget to rehearse it with the whole family & pet at least twice a year. Be safe.