Basic Fire Safety Tips for Homes
Home fires usually happen in the kitchens while people are cooking and it is one of the leading causes of fire injuries. The most common reasons for fires that happen at night time are careless discarding of cigarettes, fireplaces that sparked on doors, heating equipment or appliances that were left so close to flammable materials or furniture. This type of fire can be very dangerous because they can last for a long time without being known by the sleeping family. Fires at home are highly preventable. Just follow these easy steps to prevent this huge trouble.
When handling electrical things or appliances
1. Make sure to replace worn out or damaged electrical cords immediately and do not run cords under your furniture or rugs. Worn out cords can ignite or start a fire.
2. Purchase appliances and electric products that passed the UL standards or Underwriters Laboratories. This means they have been evaluated thoroughly.
3. If the appliance has a 3 prong plug, make sure to use an outlet with 3 slots. Do not force fitting it into an outlet with 2 slots. This can also start a fire.
4. Replace flickering lights and switches that become hot. Immediately shut it off when you notice these changes.
When in the Kitchen
1. When cooking stay in the kitchen even when you are just broiling food. Turn the stove off if you have to leave the kitchen especially when you are grilling or frying.
2. When cooking make sure the clothes you wear won’t catch fire from the stove.
3. Do not boil anything or cook anything when you feel too tired, sleepy or drunk.
4. Keep kids away from the cooking area. The stove should be a child free area.
5. Place your barbecue grills ten feet away from any deck or side railings and avoid the tree or plant branches
When Smoking
1. Smoking should be done outside the house as much as possible. Most fires that happen at home started because of smoking materials placed inside the house. Put out your cigarettes in container sand filled.
2. Ensure always that the cigarettes and the ashes have been put out. Soak the ashes and the butts with water before you throw it away. Never make the mistake of tossing a hot cigarette butt in your trash can.
3. Check your sofa, cushions and chairs for cigarette butts, these things can catch fire quickly and burn rapidly.
4. Never smoke if you are using oxygen at home even when it is off. It can be very explosive.
5. Be cautious and alert – never smoke in bed. Make sure to put out your cigarette first before completely dozing off.
When Handling Fireplaces
1. Cleaning and inspection of woodstove piping and chimneys should be done monthly to check for any obstruction and damage. It can also be an annual thorough inspection.
2. Do not make the mistake of burning paper and trash.
3. Ensure that the fire in the fireplace has been put out before sleeping or before leaving.
4. Keep the cold ashes in a sealed container typically metal kind outside the house.
Installing Smoke and Flame Detection Solutions
1. The latest technology for flame and smoke detection are video based flame and smoke detection solutions. They are IP cameras with a digital signal processing chip inside that can take notice of flame and smoke in less than one minute. The chip set has the algorithms that does the processing of the analyses to provide the results whether there is indeed smoke or flame.
These are some basic tips that can help you achieve a good sleep and a peaceful mind knowing your home will be fire proof and safe.