A minor house fire can cost thousands of dollars in repairs and a severe fire may result in the complete loss of the home, injury, and even the loss of lives. Now is the perfect time to follow these fire safety tips for the home to protect your family and property.
Why You and Your Family Should Follow Fire Safety Tips for the Home
Fires sometimes start from burning candles, fireplaces, or space heaters. They can also start because of a frayed electrical cord, a cooking mishap, a lightning strike, or other causes. Fires seemingly happen out of nowhere and can have devastating consequences within minutes. Fire safety tips for the home help you and your loved ones stay as safe as possible if you are faced with a house fire.
1. Create an Evacuation Plan
Never assume that children understand the importance of getting out of the house immediately if there is a fire. At the last minute, children may react impulsively and stop to gather their favorite toys or sentimental items. Create a family evacuation plan and stress that seconds matter when the house is on fire. Identify fire exits on every floor.
2. Check the Smoke Detector Batteries
The purpose of a smoke detector is to tell you when smoke is present so that you can evacuate. These detectors may give you the extra minute or two that your family needs to get out of the house safely. Many smoke detectors operate on batteries, so the batteries should be tested and changed periodically.
If your smoke detectors are hard-wired, test them monthly to make sure they are functioning. Consider setting a reminder in your smartphone to regularly test your smoke detectors. Install more smoke detectors so there is one on every floor, on either side of bedroom doors, and near the kitchen.
3. Know How to use a Fire Extinguisher
Fire extinguishers are often kept in the kitchen because cooking fires are common. However, many people are unfamiliar with how to operate an extinguisher. Take the time to read the usage instructions and watch a few demonstrations online. Anyone in your home who is old enough to cook should know how to use the fire extinguisher.
4. Make Thoughtful Purchases
Some homes go up in flames much faster than others because of the materials used in construction and the contents of the home. For example, foam insulation in your walls is more fire-retardant than fiberglass insulation. Some bedding products are made out of fire-resistant cloth. When considering fire safety tips for the home, make future purchases and renovations with fire prevention in mind.
These are practical fire safety tips for the home that you can begin following today.
HTown Home Inspections provides inspection services to homes and commercial properties in the Greater Houston Metro. Contact us to schedule an inspection.
