Wednesday, March 5, 2014

Tips For Home Fire Safety

By Jed Veal


Often times, people don't give things much thought unless they are a pressing issue. The problem with that, though, is that things could escalate to "pressing issue" very, very quickly, and that could have disastrous consequences if proper precautions are not taken. It's better to deal with things before they become serious problems. One of the topics that often fit this bill is fire safety. People tend to think it only happens to other people. But everyone is "other people" to someone else.

Each year, hundreds of people die in fire-related accidents, many of which would be avoidable if there was a plan to develop a fire route. Every family should have a fire escape plan, which they can develop with a family meeting and ensure that everyone knows what to do if the time ever comes. The plan should take into account the layout of the home, particularly the most-used areas of the home, like the bedrooms, entertainment rooms and kitchen. Look over the furniture and other potential obstructions in each room, make a note of what could potentially impede escape, and then create a route around them. Once the route is decided, make sure to keep it clear of clutter. Make sure everyone is familiar with the route, practicing it a few times. If you have windows on the second floor, it's a good idea to have a ladder installed, providing a quick escape from the upper stories that won't break your ankles. Set a meeting place that's nearby to home where everyone can regroup.

While looking over your home's fire-safety rating, you may consider have sprinklers put in. While water damage can be an issue, it's far easier to repair and deal with than a home that's burned to husk. Often times, lives and property end up being saved by fire sprinklers. Some new homes come pre-equipped with them, and if not, they are rather simple and relatively inexpensive to installed or retrofitted. Tied to the home's water system, they can be an invaluable asset in keeping your family safe from fires. Most manufacturers offer sprinkler systems for homes that won't look out of place with the decorating scheme.

You can use the aroma and atmospheric light from a candle to set a mood, but if left unchecked, the open flame of a candle could easily be responsible for burning down a home. A candle should not be left unattended or placed where they can be knocked. Make sure pets and kids won't be able to get a hold of them. The wick should be only about a centimeter long.

Every home should have a fire extinguisher. It is one of the most vital safety features you can possibly have in your home. Small fires can easily be put out. It should be placed where it can be reached quickly from any area of the home, such as a hallway in the middle of the house or a kitchen wall. Accidents in the kitchen could also lead to fires, so it could be handy to have it there.

Chemical products in the home should be out of reach from children, stowed in cabinets and checked for leaks. Check the labels to make sure that change in temperatures won't pose a hazard.

It takes time and effort to get a fire safety plan in place, but it could result in saving the lives of you and your family, and also possibly have your home insurance rates reduced.




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