Over 350,000 fires break out in homes each year in the U.S., resulting in deaths, injury, and significant loss of valued possessions. Whether your home is brand new or decades old, it’s critical to take preventive steps that reduce the likelihood of a fire and improve your family’s safety. Fire safety in the home goes well beyond the installation and maintenance of smoke detectors. Being prepared can mean the difference between life and death. These ten tips will help you prevent fire in your home as well as suggest actions you can take should a fire occur.

1. Inspect your home. Hire the appropriate professional to inspect these elements in the home: electrical system, plumbing (gas), and heating and air conditioning. A myriad of things can go wrong with any of these major systems in your home if not properly inspected and maintained. Sometimes a previous owner has taken a shortcut or used a non-professional to make changes that end up creating fire risks. You owe it to your family and your home investment to ensure any risks are eliminated with proper wiring, parts, and installation.

2. Check kitchen appliances. Check the power cords on all your kitchen appliances. Look for missing grounding prongs on the plugs and damaged insulation, and replace or repair them if defects are found. Keep your stove and oven clean, watching for grease accumulation that can increase risk of fire. If a grease fire does break out on the stove, snuff it out with a lid and turn off the heat source. Don’t try to move the pan and never put water on a grease fire as it can create hot grease splatter that can cause severe burns. If a fire starts in your oven, keep it closed and turn off the heat. Small fires may burn out quickly but ones that don’t require you to call 911.

3. Keep dryers free of lint. Always keep the dryer lint trap and outside vent clean. If internal ductwork becomes clogged or the dryer is operating poorly, have it checked and serviced. Lint or other material collecting near the heat coils in dryers is extremely dangerous. Stay awake and nearby when using your dryer. Never leave the house or fall asleep with the dryer on as this endangers you and your home should a fire start.

4. Use extreme caution with space heaters. Keep flammable materials such as curtains and furniture at least three feet away from space heaters. Position the space heater in an area away from foot traffic and on a solid surface where it can’t tip. Use a modern space heater that automatically shuts off if tipped over. Avoid using an extension cord with a space heater. Never leave one unattended and turn it off prior to going to sleep.

5. Keep at least one fire extinguisher in the home. Make sure it’s out of reach from children. Remember how to operate it with the acronym PASS. Pull out the pin. Aim at the fire. Squeeze the lever. Sweep back and forth at the base of the fire.

6. Install smoke alarms on every floor. Place smoke detectors outside of everyone’s bedroom, in hallways, and about ten feet away from the kitchen. Test batteries monthly. Clean cobwebs from sensors and vents. Replace all smoke alarms older than ten years.

7. Make a fire escape plan. Ideally, plan two exits from every room. Conduct fire escape drills and ensure children know what to do in an emergency and how to recognize a fire alarm. Teach family to check for heat at the door and stay low to the ground.

8. Use caution with burning candles. Place candle holders on a heat-resistance surface. Keep burning candles in an area where they won’t get knocked over by anyone, including pets. Store lighters and matches where they aren’t accessible to children and teach them never to play with matches or lighters.

9. Maintain your fireplace appropriately. Have your chimney inspected and cleaned once a year. Use a glass fire door or wire mesh screen to protect from flying embers that can catch fire to floors, carpets, and furniture. Use an appropriate dry, seasoned wood for your fireplace. Certain woods such as cedar pop too much when burned and are not suitable. Remove ash when a fire is completely out and no embers remain. Place the in a metal bucket far from buildings or trees to prevent live ashes from spreading a fire.

10. Keep flammable liquids away from ignition sources. Gasoline, paint thinners, and other flammable liquids need to be kept in UL-approved containers and out of the house. Do not store any of these liquids in a garage or utility room where there is an appliance with a pilot light. It’s safest to keep them out of the house.

Platinum Service Realty