Safety First; How to Prevent Fires in Your Home

7/28/2022 (Permalink)

Making your home safer from fire hazards isn’t as difficult as you may think. Small things such as checking your smoke detector, keeping your appliances unplugged, and using space heaters properly can make all the difference in preventing fires. Here are some tips on keeping your home safe for you and your family. 

Fire Prevention is Key 

Many fire prevention tips are easy to add to your home safety routine. They are cost-friendly and can make your family safer by lowering your risk of a house fire.

Know how to fight a grease fire 

Grease fires are a well-known kitchen hazard. Grease fires can be extremely threatening since water cannot extinguish them. Water makes these events worse. Instead, keep a fire extinguisher nearby. Extinguish smaller grease fires using metal pan lids or baking soda as well.  

Keep your fireplace clear of old ashes 

If you enjoy using your wood-burning fireplace, be sure you are not letting the ashes collect there. Clean and dispose of your ashes safely after each use. 

Watch how you use your space heater 

Don’t plug your space heater into an extension cord. Use one of your wall outlets instead. Ensure your space heater surroundings have a clearance of at least three feet. When your space heater is not in use, keep it unplugged. 

Check your smoke detectors often  

Test your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors monthly. Changing their batteries twice each year and replacing them every ten years will ensure they are fully operable to help protect your family. The smoke alarms should be interconnected and should all trigger if one alarm triggers.  When an alarm sounds, move quickly and safely outside your home. Treat every alarm as a serious matter. 

Consider switching to battery-operated candles 

Scented candles are popular, especially during the fall and winter months. They add a warm glow to your home and can smell delicious. However, scented candles can be a fire hazard if they are left burning while you’re not home or knocked over. Battery-operated candles eliminate these hazards. 

Keep a fire extinguisher on hand and have regular fire extinguisher training 

They seem simple, but many people may not know how to use handheld fire extinguishers properly. Teach your loved ones the PASS method: Pull the pin; Aim low, at the base of the fire; Squeeze the lever firmly and Sweep the nozzle from side to side. Remember to routinely check your fire extinguisher to ensure it is up to code. 

Finally, have a fire evacuation plan for your family and practice it regularly, especially if you have small children or senior adults. Teach young children as soon as possible about the dangers of fires and what to do if one occurs. 

Fire prevention saves lives. Should your home have an emergency and need fire restoration, SERVPRO of Auburn/Rocklin is here for you in your time of need.