7 Fire Safety Tips for Your Home
Home fires can be caused in a variety of ways. Taking sound fire safety precautions will help to protect your home, property and your family. To help you prevent and survive potential fires, it is recommended that you take some of the following steps.
1. Smoke Detectors
Every home should have at least one working smoke detector. However, it is recommended that every house has a smoke detector on each level of the home. You should also test your smoke detectors monthly and replace the batteries every year.
2. Alternative Heat Sources
Many homes use alternative heating sources such as wood burning stoves, fireplaces and portable heaters. Always follow the manufacturer safety instructions for these heaters and make sure to never leave them unattended.
3. Have an Escape Plan
Every family should develop plans for the event of a fire. Plan a way to escape and make sure that everyone knows the steps they should take when a fire occurs. Practicing the escape plan with your family assures that everyone understands. Make sure your family knows they should stay low when exiting a fire. Plan ahead for a place where everyone can meet once they have exited the house.
4. Buy a Fire Extinguisher
Having a fire extinguisher in the home is one of the best steps that can be taken to improve fire safety. Keep the fire extinguisher in a place that is easy to access and make sure that everyone knows how to use it. Purchase a Fire Extinguisher now!
5. Guard against Electrical Fires
Do not overload outlets, extension cords or power strips. Do not run extension cords in high traffic areas or hang them in places where they might be a hazard. If a piece of electrical equipment starts to spark or causes a short, unplug the item and do not use it again until it has been repaired.
6. Practice Kitchen Safety
Most house fires start in the kitchen. Practicing fire safety in the kitchen will help to significantly reduce your chances of a home fire. The most common contributing factor for kitchen fires is food left unattended while cooking.
7. Inspect Your Windows and Doors
In the event of a fire, the number one concern is that everyone is able to escape quickly and easily. Check the windows and doors in your home to make sure that they can all be opened if people are trying to use them to escape.
Good fire safety in the home requires forethought and preparation. Along with using some of these home fire safety steps, a Rochester Minnesota homeowner may be able to have a member of the local fire department inspect their home for fire safety. You can also call Clarey’s Safety Equipment!