House fires are quite common in America. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), U.S. fire departments respond to an average of 346,800 home structure fires annually. These fires cause an average of 11,070 civilian fire injuries, 2,620 civilian deaths, and $7.3 billion in property damage. One of the main reasons for these devastating statistics is inadequate preparations for fire accidents.
People must know what to do or the tools to use to keep their loved ones and property safe. That means learning and applying the following fire safety prevention tips.
Invest in Knowledge About Fire Safety at Home
Conduct thorough research about fire safety and learn different ways of protecting yourself and your family in the event of a fire. Check government fire websites, learn the tips they share and make the necessary preparations.
Teach Your Family How to Protect Themselves During a Fire Incident
Let your family know how fires occur and what they can do to put out a fire or get to safety before it’s too late. Ensure everyone in the house knows how to check for gas leaks, heated wires and damaged or faulty sockets. In case of a fire incident, everyone should leave the house immediately. Remember, you have only two minutes to leave the house safely after a fire incident before the fire becomes life-threatening.
Have a Fire Escape Plan
Make sure that you have more than one escape plan. Fires can start from anywhere in the house. Escaping from the same door may not always work. You need at least three exit plans that will allow you to exit a burning house safely. You can have ladders on the upper floors to make the trip down easier.
Check Your Gas Tanks Often
Gas leaks are among the leading fire causes in America. Make it a habit to check everything in your house that uses gas and test for gas leaks. During replacement, confirm all is well by ensuring the regulator is adequately secured.
Check and Maintain All Electronic Devices
All electronic devices and appliances should be turned off every time they’re not in use. Check plugs and wires occasionally to ensure they’re not overheated. You can also check for plastic smells around the sockets, plugs, wires and extensions. Faulty electric gadgets can cause serious fire accidents.
Install Smoke Detectors and Fire Alarms
Fire alarms and smoke detectors provide early warnings of a potential fire accident. You can install them in every part of the house and test them at least twice every year to ensure they’re working as they should.
Know How to Use a Fire Extinguisher
You can use an extinguisher to successfully put out a fire when it’s confined to a small area and it’s not growing. To use a fire extinguisher properly, remember to pull the pin, aim low, squeeze the lever slowly and sweep the nozzle sideways. Practice the concept with your family.
Apart from the general fire prevention tips at home, it’s also important to know some of the best fire extinguishing products and materials. You want to ensure that you’re adequately prepared to ensure you’re ready to protect your family and property.
Be sure to reach out to Raider Fire Protection for all your fire extinguisher needs, including inspections, maintenance and training. We help ensure that you know how to use your fire extinguisher and provide the confidence that your equipment will work exactly as it’s intended. Contact us for more information.