Fireproof Your Home

 

Fireproofing Your Home

According to the National Fire Protection Association , there were 3,420 deaths, and $5.5 billion dollars’ worth of fire-related damage in the year 2000. Luckily these figures have been declining steadily over the past 15 years, due to fire education and prevention. Sources of fire in the home can range from things such as BBQ grills, stoves, gas heaters, water heaters, candles, and other flammable items. Although no house is truly fireproof - because fire has so many common household uses - there are steps you can take to prevent fires. Fireproofing your home can be the deciding factor between life and death. Read further to learn how you can safeguard your house against potential fire damage.

Preventing Household Fires

Faulty wiring is one of the leading causes of household fires. Here are some basic steps you can take to make sure your wires and outlets are safe:

• Check all wires to make sure they are not frayed.
• Don’t pinch or pull on cords with furniture or rugs.
• Never overload your circuits. Be aware of how much power your system can handle, and don’t use too many extension cords.
• Use surge protectors to regulate the electricity of powerful devices, such as personal computers or TVs.
• Always keep a fire extinguisher within easy access, especially in the kitchen.
• Make sure not to keep any flammable plants near an outdoor barbecue.

Smoke Alarms

Smoke alarms are the first line of defense against fires. Smoke alarms can alert you if a fire is starting in another room, whether you are asleep, or in another part of the house. Smoke alarms, also known as smoke detectors, work by testing the air for gases and other particles produced by fire. Smoke alarms are a good choice because they are inexpensive, simple to install, and easy to maintain. Be careful when installing a smoke alarm in the kitchen, unless you want a 30 second alarm clock every time you cook.

Fire Extinguishers

We can see fire extinguishers everywhere; from the walls in churches, to the outsides of schools. Fire extinguishers are all around for a reason. If there is a flare up, it’s important to act fast. Fire extinguishers are one of the most important safety devices for preventing a fire that you can get. Every day in kitchens and small businesses around the country, fire extinguishers are used to quell small fires, and prevent disasters. Fire extinguishers are inexpensive, and very useful.