Keeping Your Home Safe: Preventing Fires

Do you have the right steps in place to protect you and your family?

Your home protects those who are most important to you along with valuable belongings, be sure you protect it as best you can. A significant way to help protect your home is knowing the necessary actions to protect against a house fire. It takes less than five minutes for a fire to completely engulf most homes. Leaving little time for action, it is critical to make a plan in advance and implement precautionary actions. We have provided you a list of tips for how to prevent damaging fires. 

• Test your smoke alarms
  • Be sure they have working batteries and are connected properly.
• Inspect your heating systems
  • If not working properly they could trigger a fire, be sure all air systems are cleared from any dust that could ignite. 
• Have an escape plan
  • Create an escape plan labeling rooms, escape means, and a meeting place.
  • Practice your plan so the whole family is familiar with what to do in an emergency,
• Keep your machines clean 
  • Be sure your stove is cleared of any leftover food that could catch fire and be sure it is cleared of any fabric (dishtowels or curtains).
  • Be sure your dryers are cleared of any lint, which is highly flammable. 
• Never use gasoline to start a fire 
  • While it may be tempting to start a large fire quickly, gas is highly flammable and dangerous. Always be sure you’re using proper caution even in a bonfire/fire pit setting. 
• Keep an eye on your cooking
  • Never walk away from a fire, even if it is from your stove’s burner. If you do have to walk away, be sure you call on someone else to supervise in the meantime 
• Have fire extinguishers on hand
  • Fire extinguishers are the best defense to have if a fire starts. Be sure you know and those who live with you know how to use it beforehand. 

Only you can help prevent house fires, be sure you educate yourself and your family members on how to stay safe by coming up with a plan in case there is a fire. Stay cautious around open flames and never leave a fire unattended. Your house protects you, be sure you are protecting it in return.