Top Tips for Deterring Fires in your Home
Even though for the most part, home fires can be avoided, they
are tragic events that happen all too often, leaving a family
with nothing but the clothes on their back. Many fires are
products of human error and engaging in known fire hazards.
Being aware of the risks and how to avoid them is crucial to
keeping your home safe. Read these tips and learn how to keep
your family and home safe from a fire.
Matches: They do have a place in a household, and that place is
anywhere out of a child's reach. Matches and lighters are
fascinating to all children; especially older children who love
to play with them. A single lit match dropped on the carpet or
held near curtains can cause the house to go up in flames within
quickly. Be sure all children, even teens respect fire's danger
and use matches and lighter sensibly.
Candles: No matter how romantic they are, candles should always
be used carefully; many a home fire is due to candles. Candles
are not by themselves hazardous, but they can rapidly turn into
a hazard. Be sure to use candles in holders that will envelope
the entire candle and contain any flame. Jar candles are handy
less likely to burn out of control. Most importantly, be sure to
always check all of your candles before leaving the house or
going to bed. A good rule of thumb is to make a quick pass
through the house to blow them all out at that time. Unplug
Appliances: Ever leave for work in the morning and forget to
unplug the iron, hair drier, or the coffee pot? Newer models
will usually have automatic shut-offs, but most of the older
models don't, and leaving them plugged in all day is a fire
hazard, especially if they rest on a flammable surface.
Be Fireplace Smart: Sitting in front of a warm fireplace in your
home is a delightful thing, but fireplaces however should be
always used wisely. Use a fire screen when there is a fire going
in your fireplace., so that no loose spark will have a chance to
catch your floor on fire. Secondly, always keep your damper
open. This will let the smoke and fire exit through the chimney
as it is designed to. You should never leave a fire unattended,
so make sure the fire is completely out before you go to work or
to bed.