It’s on most people’s list of absolute worst nightmares: waking up at night to the smell of smoke, and discovering your home is on fire. It’s safe to say that preventing a home fire is on every homeowner’s priority list — but what can you do to ensure that your family is safe?
There are a few steps that everyone should take to ensure that their family, furry friends, and property are protected from the possibility of a home fire. We’re here to walk you through those steps. Use this guide to start your journey toward a safer home for you and the people you love.
Invest in smoke detectors
Seems obvious? Think twice. Three out of every five home fire deaths in the US occur in homes without any smoke detectors. Investing in high-quality smoke detectors is an essential part of keeping your home and your family safe from fires.
However, not all smoke detectors are equal. There are two important factors to consider as you shop around for the right detector for your home: the quality of the smoke detectors, and where you place them. Smoke detectors should be spaced evenly throughout the house, in all bedrooms, and on every floor — including the basement. Be sure they are also placed on the ceiling rather than near the floor or on walls; remember, smoke rises.
The fact is that it’s easier than you think to sleep through the smell of smoke — until it’s too late. Having a sensitive smoke detector with a loud alarm makes it more likely you’ll wake up in time to react. And when you are awake and can react, you’ll need a fire extinguisher.
Purchase fire extinguishers
Having a fire extinguisher in your home may seem overly precautious — that is, until you walk into the kitchen and the toaster is up in flames. Every home should have at least one fire extinguisher, but it’s wise to have several spaced throughout the house, just in case the flames make it impossible to reach your extinguisher.
Fire extinguishers are an essential part of every home safety kit, like a first aid kit or spare water. They can be easily purchased at most hardware stores, or online, so don’t worry about struggling to find one. Trust us, a good fire extinguisher can make the difference between a small mishap and a total catastrophe, especially when it comes to electrical fires.
Ensure electronics and wiring are up to date
Electrical fires can be some of the most dangerous. That’s because water conducts electricity, meaning that if you dump water on an electrical fire, you could be electrocuted — you could make the fire much, much worse. Note that fire extinguishers with a Class C rating are suitable for live electrical fires; be sure to purchase yours accordingly.
However, having a Class C fire extinguisher isn’t your only way to stop electrical fires in your home. The best way to stop them is to prevent them in the first place. Preventing electrical fires is as simple as following these precautions:
Ensure that the wiring in your home is up to date. A professional electrician can make this kind of assessment, and help you replace wiring that may be faulty or dangerously out of date.
Regularly upkeep major electrical appliances. Coffee makers, toasters, electrical stoves — you name it, you should regularly clean it and ensure that it’s in working order. Check to make sure power chords aren’t frayed or damaged.
The same goes for other electronics. Even smaller items like laptop computers and vape batteries can cause fires if they’re damaged. Be sure to repair or replace them if they are.
Practice fire safety around electronics by keeping water or flammable material (like curtains, clutter, or plants) away from outlets.
Precaution is important, but even the safest and most up-to-date of homes should have an action plan.
Make an action plan & educate your family
If there is a fire, does everyone in your household know what to do? If not, you could be in for a serious disaster with even the smallest fire. Proper fire education can mean the difference between life and death, and even young children should be taught what to do if they smell smoke.
It’s important to seek out a professional source for fire preparedness education, but in general, you should keep factors like these in mind:
Know how to identify the smell of smoke. Small children should be taught that the smell of smoke means there could be a fire, and to tell an adult as soon as they suspect there may be smoke.
Know your evacuation routes. The front door could be blocked by flames, so it’s critical that everyone knows different ways to safely escape the building. For homes with second floors, there should be an escape path planned for family members who sleep on the second story.
Everyone in the home who is old enough to do so should be educated on how to properly use the fire extinguisher.
Children should be taught how to dial 911 in case the adults in the home are unable to or are incapacitated in some way.
Do you have plans to help your pets escape as well? Furry friends can become confused and frightened if there is a fire, and keeping them safe should be a priority.
Again, it’s important to seek out a professional resource — whether online, or in person through a class at a local college or library — so that your family knows what to do if there is a fire.
Conclusion
For many people, the idea of a home fire is so scary they’d simply prefer not to think about it. This strategy can be a disaster, however, as all it takes is one spark for your home to be sent up in flames. Instead of avoiding the possibility and hoping it doesn’t happen, it’s smart to take active measures to prevent a fire and keep your home — and your family — safe.
You can use the tips in this guide as a jumping-off point but be sure to follow up on the educational resources and home supplies you need to prevent fires in your home.
Author Bio
Matt Casadona has a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, with a concentration in Marketing and a minor in Psychology. He is currently a contributing editor for 365 Business Tips. Matt is passionate about marketing and business strategy and enjoys the San Diego life, traveling and music.
