How do you save your house from fire?
A house can easily catch fire from the misuse of appliances and a lot more other reasons which we tend to ignore. However, there are steps you may take to prevent a house fire and protect your family. The most frequent reasons for house fires are listed here, along with safety advice.
- Utensils for cooking
If someone is cooking and gets sidetracked or leaves the kitchen unattended, pots and pans can easily overheat and catch fire. When using hotplates, be in the kitchen at all times, or ask someone to keep an eye on your meal.
- Heaters
Keep portable heaters at least one meter away from anything flammable, including clothing, drapes, furniture, washing, and even oneself. To ensure that your furnace is operating according to safety requirements, have it tested once a year.
- Other electrical devices
If an electrical device is broken or has a frayed cable, such as a toaster, it may ignite a fire. A PowerPoint with too many double adapter plugs could catch fire due to excessive electrical use. If not utilized properly, an extension cord for a power outlet might also provide a fire risk. Check your home’s electrical outlets and appliances twice.
- Using tobacco in bedrooms
The ideal place to prohibit smoking is in the bedroom. An improperly extinguished cigarette may remain lighted for several hours, which can result in a flame. If it made contact with anything flammable, like furniture, it might catch fire. Did you know that 73% of all fatal house fires included fires that started in the bedroom or living room?
- Candles
Candles have a beautiful aroma and provide a calming light, but they can easily catch fire if left burning unattended. Keep candles away from anything that is plainly flammable, such as books and tissue boxes. Before leaving a room, always extinguish the candle.
- Inquisitive children
Children may start a fire accidentally to watch what happens when they light something on fire. To prevent a child’s curiosity from turning into a calamity, keep all matches and lighters out of their reach. Install a smoke alarm in your child’s room and go over your family’s evacuation plan in case of fire with your kids. Teach children the “stop, drop, cover, and roll” drill and how to contact emergency help if they ever need it.
- Defective wiring
Electrical dangers can start fires in houses with poor wiring. There are other indicators of poor wiring, including
- If you use another device, the lights will fade;
- You must unplug another appliance for this one to function;
- Fuses frequently blow or trip the circuit.
If you experience any of the issues mentioned above, find a qualified electrician to inspect your home.
- Barbecues
Barbecues are fantastic for outdoor meals, but they should never be used close to a house, a tablecloth, or any plants or tree branches. Maintain and clean barbecues on a regular basis using soapy water, making sure to clean any removable pieces. Before each usage, check the gas bottle for leaks.
- Flammable liquids
Keep any flammable substances, such as gasoline, kerosene, or methylated spirits, away from heat sources and read the label before storing. When pouring these liquids, use caution.
- Lighting
When placed very close to light bulbs, lamp covers and light fixtures may generate heat. Make sure by having a look around the house. Lamp bases should be removed if they are easily tippable since they can become a hazard. Verify the insulation between downlights and any wood ceiling beams or panels.
The above advice helps prevent a fire in your house. However, it’s a smarter idea to safeguard yourself with sufficient home insurance coverage to make sure you’re covered in the unlikely event a fire were to occur.