FIRE PREVENTION TIPS
Fire is an essential part of many aspects of our lives. Throughout history, fire has played a significant role in human civilization, providing warmth, light, and the ability to cook food. However, fire can also cause destruction, injury, and loss of life when not properly managed.
Fire prevention is crucial to ensure the safety of individuals, protect property, and preserve the environment. By taking proactive measures, following safety guidelines, and promoting awareness, the risk of fire can be significantly reduced. Here we will discuss some key practices and tips for fire prevention.
FIRE PREVENTION TIPS
Install Fire Sprinklers
The most effective way to prevent fires in your home is to install fire sprinklers.
New homes burn eight times faster than older homes.
The chances of a fire sprinkler accidentally going off are 1 in 16 million.
Fire sprinklers can provide discounts on insurance premiums.
Fire sprinklers immediately respond to a fire while it is still small, controlling the spread of deadly heat, flames and toxic smoke
Cook Carefully
Cooking fires happen most often when food is left cooking unattended.
Keep cooking areas clear of combustibles and wear clothes with short sleeves when you cook.
Turn pot handles inward on the stove, where you can’t bump them and children can’t grab them.
If grease catches fire in a pan, slide a lid over the pan to smother the flames and turn off the heat source.
Keep lid on until pan is completely cooled.
Practice Stop, Drop & Roll
The principles of STOP, DROP and ROLL are simple:
Stop, do not run, if your clothes catch on fire.
Drop to the floor in a prone position.
Cover your face with your hands to protect it from the flames. Roll over and over to smother the fire.
Install Smoke Alarms
Smoke detectors can provide timely alerts in the event of a fire in your residence, allowing you to evacuate safely, even if you're asleep.
Install detectors on every level of your house, both outside and inside each sleeping area.
Test each alarm on a monthly basis according to the manufacturer's instructions.
Replace the batteries annually or whenever the alarm emits a "chirping" sound to indicate a low battery.
Fire sprinklers immediately respond to a fire while it is still small, controlling the spread of deadly heat, flames and toxic smoke
Space Heaters
Portable electric heaters are high-wattage appliances that have the potential to ignite nearby combustible materials like curtains, beds, sofas, paper, clothing, and flammable liquids.
Keep portable and space heaters at least three feet away from anything that can burn.
Keep children and pets away from heaters and never leave heaters on when you leave home or go to bed.
Plug directly into an outlet and do not use extension cords.
Electrical Safety
To help prevent electrical fires, know how to use and store plugs and electrical cords and take precautions.
If an electric appliance smokes or has an unusual smell, unplug it immediately, then have it serviced before using it again.
Replace any electrical cord that is cracked or frayed.
Don’t overload extension cords or run them under rugs. Don’t tamper with your fuse box or use improper-sized fuses.
Plan an Escape Route
If a fire breaks out in your home, you have to get out fast. To prepare, sit down with your family and agree on an escape plan.
It is important that everyone is aware of at least two clear exits, such as doors and windows, from each room. (If you reside in an apartment building, exclude elevators from your escape plan.)
Decide on a designated meeting spot outside where all family members will gather after safely escaping.
Practice your escape plan as a household at least twice a year.
Lighters & Matches
Fires, burns and property damage associated with children playing with matches are common, in a child’s hand matches and lighters can be deadly.
Buy childresistant lighters and store all matches and lighters up high, where kids can’t see or reach them, preferably in a locked cabinet.
Teach your children that matches and lighters are tools, not toys, and should be used only by adults or with adult supervision.
Teach small children to tell an adult if they find matches or lighters; older children should bring matches and lighters to an adult immediately.
Crawl Under Smoke
Smoke and heat rise, so during a fire there's cleaner, cooler air near the floor.
Always try another exit if you encounter smoke when you're escaping a fire.
If you must escape through smoke, crawl on your hands and knees to the nearest exit, keeping your head 12 to 24 inches above the floor.
RESOURCES
Visit the NFPA Safety Tip Sheets website for PDF downloads for comprehensive fire safety tips.
Watch this video from the Red Cross on how to prevent a home fire.
Contact us any time with questions about Fire Safety and how you can prevent fires in your home.