Home safety is of utmost importance, whether it comes to baby-proofing your apartment or installing security systems and preventing fire. In case of a fire, you don’t have much time to leave the house, so it’s necessary to be prepared for this type of emergency, or even better, to do everything you can to prevent it.
Smoking, Candles, Matches
When you are relaxing at home and enjoying a movie from the comfort of your bed, while lighting a cigarette, you aren’t thinking about potential dangers. You may fall asleep in the middle of the movie with a cigarette still in your hand, which might cause an outbreak of a home fire. Therefore, you should always avoid smoking in bed – better to be safe than sorry. In addition, always make sure to turn off all heaters or candles before going to sleep, or leaving the room or your home; keep flammable items at a safe distance from any source of heat; and teach your children certain precautionary measures, such as not to play with matches.
Smoke Alarms
Installing smoke alarms will keep your home safe, however, you need to do it properly. Smoke alarms should be placed on every floor, since an alarm in the kitchen won’t exactly detect fire in the bedroom upstairs. In order to make sure that they actually work, you have to test them once a month, change batteries if needed. After 10 months, you need to replace your smoke alarms and install new ones. Finally, you should never turn them off!
Proper Wiring
Electrical fires are usually caused by faulty wires, so you need to keep an eye on any appliance that is not functioning properly, or plugs that aren’t connected in the right manner. Call an electrician once in a while to check the wiring in your house, and repair any possible source of danger. You should also avoid plugging too many appliances into the same electrical outlet.
Fire Extinguishers
In case a home fire breaks out, you should react immediately, so as to prevent it from developing. Fire extinguishers are your best bet. They can put out fire quickly, and they are both safer, more practical and more efficient than using water. You have to keep in mind that there are different types of fire extinguishers meant for different types of fires. These are divided into four categories – A, B, C and D – according to the class of fire for which they are applicable.
- Type A extinguishers are designed for fires caused by combustibles such as wood, paper, cloth, rubber, trash and plastics. They are usually used at home.
- Type B extinguishers are used for dealing with fire caused by flammable liquids, oil, gasoline, paints, and similar oil-based products.
- Type C extinguishers are used for fires triggered by energized equipment (i.e. wiring, motors, controls, appliances, etc.)
- Type D extinguishers are meant for fires that involve combustible metals.
Consulting the Experts
The best way to make sure that your home is completely safe is to seek advice from fire safety services. These experts will provide you with all the necessary information, professional advice on how to prevent fires and what to do if a home fire breaks out. Their experts will properly install all smoke alarms, advise you on the type of extinguishers that you should use and fireproof your entire house.
Developing an Escape Plan
It is completely normal to be afraid if a home fire breaks out, however, you shouldn’t let fear control you. You must try your best to stay calm – having an escape plan will help you not to panic. Every member of your household needs to be familiar with the plan, you should all know two escape exits from every room and where to meet outside. You should all practice escaping and remember to STOP, DROP and ROLL should your clothes catch on fire.
Home fires can be easily avoided if they happen to break out, but only if you take all the necessary measures to ensure your and your family’s safety. Equip your home with smoke alarms and fire extinguishers and don’t forget to seek advice from the experts.