One key element of protecting your home is home fire prevention. It is worth investing the time and effort into home fire prevention now, and you will be thankful you did if disaster strikes. Remember to maintain your smoke detectors, know where the risks come from, and keep an eye on your electrical components.

Smoke Detectors

Smoke Detectors are your first line of defense in home fire prevention. It is estimated around 20% of homes have smoke detectors that do not work. Make sure to check your smoke alarms monthly, change the batteries at least once a year, and replace the alarm completely every ten years. Smoke alarms, when working properly, double your chances of survival in a fire. If your home has multiple levels, at least one smoke alarm should be installed on each level.

Knowledge is Key

Home fire prevention knowledge is key to keeping your home safe. A home fire can spread in thirty seconds, so quick action and knowing what to do will save your life. Have a fire escape plan in place so your family knows what to do if a fire breaks out. Having a meeting place and plan multiple escape routes to plan for blocked exits.

You should also know where the dangers in your home can originate. Cooking is the leading cause of house fires. In that case, you should keep a fire extinguisher in your kitchen. Also, do not leave cooking unattended. Another culprit of a home fire is your dryer. Clean the lint out of the vent once a year and empty the lint trap after every load.

Beware of Electrical Fires

Home fire prevention includes being on the lookout for broken or frayed wires. Make sure the active wires in your house are all in good shape, the same for outlets. The plugs should fit securely into the outlet. Get loose outlets or switches fixed soon after you notice them. Also, keep a lookout for some signs of faulty wiring; this includes flickering lights, fuses blowing and breakers tripping often, and a burning smell or sparks when you plug something in.

Your home should feel safe. So, make sure that it does by taking these home fire prevention tips into account. Want more fire protection tips? Our blog has lots of useful fire safety information.

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By: Tom Hartel

I acquired my expertise by directing day-to-day operations of the business for over 20 years. Continuous hard work helped me become a nationally recognized speaker and expert on fire protection, fire sprinklers, special hazards, and plumbing systems. In this blog, I share my knowledge that will hopefully help you make better decisions for your projects.