Keep Your Home Safe with These Four Fire Safety Tips

Everyone hopes that they will never have a fire in their home, but there is more that you can do than hope. You can make your home a safer place by following 4 important fire safety tips. Install smoke alarms and fire sprinklers, pay attention to electrical appliances and circuits, take proper care of heating sources, and plan for an escape.

Smoke alarms are required for homes to pass building codes, but it is up to homeowners to keep them in working order. A broken alarm or one without batteries cannot give you the protection you need. In the event of a fire, seconds are precious; early warnings save lives. Also, fire safety sprinklers may be a good idea for your home. They can slow the advance of a fire and possibly extinguish it. This inexpensive addition to your home can save your life and the lives of those you care about.

Electrical appliances and circuits are the cause of many fires every year. Most of these fires could have been avoided with proper attention to warning signs. You should consider unplugging all appliances that are not in use. If an appliance begins to spark, smoke, or produce a smell, unplug it and have it serviced or replaced. You should not take chances with electrical problems. Also, avoid overloading circuits. An electrician can answer questions you may have about your circuits as well as give you additional fire safety tips.

Whether you use a space heater, a kerosene heater, or a fireplace, you should not leave alternate heating sources unattended. Read and follow the manufacturer’s recommendations on any heating source you purchase. Give heaters the space they require; heaters can start fires when objects are placed too closely. For fireplaces, use a screen to keep sparks from igniting the house. Also, it can be hazardous to use a fireplace if your chimney is dirty because built-up debris can catch on fire and spread to the roof. Have the chimney cleaned annually.

Create a plan for escaping your house in the event of a fire. This is especially important for the children and the elderly who rely on you for their safety. Talk about your plan; make sure every member of the household knows the plan and fire safety tips. Every year people die needlessly in fires. Many of these deaths can be avoided through knowing how to prevent and react to fires.