6 Fire Safety Tips For Every Home

7/27/2021 (Permalink)

Be Prepared and Have a Home Fire Escape Plan

Our homes are our sanctuaries, and unfortunately they can also be a source for multiple opportunities for fire danger: not attending a stovetop can result in a kitchen fire; electrical systems can become defective; appliances can overheat; open flames from fireplaces, candles, flammable liquids, and outdoor grills — to name just a few — all add to the risk of a fire in our home.

Having the correct fire safety equipment and escape plan for your home is essential to keep your family safe and your house protected. We are happy to share with you the following six fire safety tips to help better prepare your home and loved ones in case there is a fire. The peace of mind that comes from knowing you’re prepared is worth the time, effort, and expense involved.

Fire Escape Plan

While not a 'piece of equipment' the most important thing you can have is a plan. Make sure anyone living in your home knows what to do and understands how to escape if there is a fire. Smoke and heat from a fire can lead to confusion and panic. The best way to combat this uncertainty is to have a plan that is easy to remember and provides for safe exists for everyone. If you need help preparing your plan, here is a good resource from the American Red Cross: Home Fire Escape Plan  or this one from the NFPA: Escape Planning Tips.

Smoke Alarms

This is your first line of defense. According to the American Red Cross, the National Fire Alarm Code (NFPA 72) requires all new homes to have inter-connected hard-wired smoke alarms with battery backup. If you don’t have an interconnected system, battery-powered alarms are easily installed. Both types of alarms need to be located on every level of the home with one inside each bedroom.

Fire Extinguishers

Since most home fires start in the kitchen, you’ll want to put a fire extinguisher in there, at a minimum. But it’s recommended to place them in multiple locations around the house. Since extinguishers from various makers all work differently, it’s a good idea for the adults in the household to get training from the local fire department. Extinguishers should be installed near exits, away from heat sources, and up high enough that kids can’t reach them.

Sprinkler Systems

While a smoke alarm will detect smoke, an automatic sprinkler system gives you a way of dealing with flames immediately. While you’re waiting on the fire department to arrive, sprinklers can help slow a fire’s progress or can even douse it completely. Moreover, a sprinkler system can prevent deadly gases and smoke from affecting your family and could also extinguish a fire that breaks out while you’re away from home.

Carbon Monoxide Alarms

There’s a good reason carbon monoxide (CO) is called the “silent killer.” This deadly gas is invisible, odorless, and colorless and even a small amount can be fatal if inhaled for long enough. Install carbon monoxide alarms on each level of your home and outside bedrooms. If the alarm emits its high-pitched warning, get outside as quickly as possible or open windows and doors and take deep breaths of fresh air. CO poisoning can cause headaches, nausea, and tiredness and can be mistaken for flu.

Fire Escape Ladders

If your home has more than one floor, collapsible fire ladders should be a part of your fire-safety arsenal. Place a ladder where it’s easy to access in every upper-level room in case your evacuation route gets cut off by smoke or fire. Then, have the entire family rehearse the steps they would take to get the ladders out and attached to open windows. As noted in the following link on Ready.gov, make sure to practice to ensure everyone can safely use the ladder: Home Fire Escape Plan

No one wants to dwell on the possibility of their family being in danger or their home being consumed by flames, but this is one situation where being properly prepared could save lives and property. If you haven’t already done so, make an escape plan and go over it with your family. And check your homeowner’s insurance to make sure your policy is up to date with adequate coverage.

If you have any questions, give us a call and also ask about our Emergency Ready Profile, to help you be prepared for all disaster, manmade and natural.