Among the many things that are important to know about caring for a home, protecting it against fires is close to near top priority. This is a multi-faceted area of consideration and as a result it can seem pretty daunting about how best to approach it. As a result, we'll provide some recommendations about how best to prevent a house fire and what sorts of things you will want to have on hand should a fire occur.
Important Information about Home Fires
In the United States, a home fire occurs every 86 seconds. This fact, according to the National Fire Protection Association, is in addition to the fact that the overwhelming majority of home fires that occurred across a five year period were preventable. When house fire prevention isn't attended to, it can have catastrophic implications.
Make Sure Smoke Detectors are Working
This may seem like a no brain-er, however, checking that every smoke detector in your home is working is one of the best ways to ensure that a small, manageable fire doesn't become an all-consuming one.
Pay Attention to Household Appliances
When you think of a house fire and where it starts, you will likely initially think of fires occurring in the kitchen. This is a true fact, most appliance related fires start in the kitchen. It is important to adhere to appropriate kitchen safety. Keep rags away from heated surfaces, don't put frozen food into oil for frying in a hooded area, don't leave pots unattended on the stove, keep heated surfaces clean and free of drippings, etc.
An appliance that some people forget to address is their dryer. If properly cleared of lint, the temperature that dryers get to is perfectly safe. However, lint collectors, if not cleaned regularly of debris, are the perfect breeding ground for a fire. Additionally, dryer vents are prone to collect the byproducts of drying clothes. Checking vents for remains is extremely important in fire prevention.
Make sure Wiring and Ventilation is Up to Code
Especially if a home is new to you, having the ventilation and wiring checked can be an invaluable threat assessment asset. Triaging these areas will allow you to catch and correct any areas of concern. Make sure chimneys are cleared of debris, ensure the home's electrical system isn't beyond capacity, check that electrical wiring isn't covered, etc.
Tools to Have on Hand in the Event of a Fire
In the unfortunate event that you experience a fire in your home, to have a few items on hand is to ensure a fire isn't catastrophic. First and foremost, a fire extinguisher is a must have. As a more thorough option, consider a fire sprinkler system. Companies like Nor Cal Fire Protection are not only able to install systems, but also maintain them.
Whether you are renting or own your home outright, paying specific attention to fire safety can save a lot of heart ache in the long run.
