Home Fire Safety Tips

You wake up in the middle of the night. You smell smoke and walk down the hallway to check it out. All at once, you are hit with a blast of heat and bright orange flames.

life-saving fire tips to follow

One of the worst things that can happen to your family is a fire. It is one of those things many people don’t think will happen to them. However, in 2019, more than a million US home fires totaled close to $15 billion in losses and resulted in nearly 4,000 deaths. 

Source: clarksvillenow.com

Would you know how to react if your home was up in flames? According to Ready.gov, it takes less than 30 seconds for a small flame to escalate into a significant fire and less than two minutes for many people to find themselves unable to escape a burning house. 

Following simple fire safety tips can help protect you and your family if you experience this horrific situation. 

Have an Escape Plan

A home fire escape plan is crucial. Most fires occur early in the morning or the middle of the night. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) has escape plan tips to help you and your family create a realistic and safe fire plan. 

Source: usfa.fema.gov

Use Space Heaters Carefully

Although a convenient way to heat cold rooms in your home, space heaters pose a severe fire risk. It is estimated that space heaters cause 50 deaths per year, 43% of home heating fires, and millions of dollars in property damage. 

Source: patch.com

When using a space heater, make sure to keep everything and everyone a minimum of three feet away from the heater. Never use an extension cord or power strip when using your space heater; always plug it into the wall outlet. And never run your space heater overnight because you must check the cord for signs of melting.

Be Vigilant with Electrical Safety

Electrical fires are one of the most common reasons for fires. If your home is old, have your outlets replaced by an electrician. There are numerous ways to check if your electrical outlet needs to be replaced. Use your hands to check the temperature of your outlets - if they feel warm or you notice the plastic melting, replace them promptly. If you see outlets that do not hold plugs tight or hear a buzzing sound coming from them, that is a sign to call an electrician immediately. 

Source: kruegerelectric.com

It is also important to never use more electricity than your circuits can maintain. If you notice that your lights begin dimming when multiple outlets are being utilized, be sure an electrician inspects your circuit breaker.

Kitchens are the Number One Cause of Residential Fires

Kitchens are the number one cause of home fires, causing 44% of all fires. And two-thirds of these kitchen fires happen after using oil, butter, or other cooking substances. If oil spills, the next time the stovetop is used, that residue can ignite a fire. 

Source: seriouseats.com

There are simple ways to ensure your kitchen is not the reason for a home fire. Make sure to use lids to cover pots and pans, keep all cooking areas clear of flammables, and always keep small children away from the stove when in use. If you ever smell a strange odor coming from a kitchen electrical area, immediately call an electrician.

Test Smoke Alarms

As annoying as that chirping sound can be, it is vital to not only keep alarms in every living area of your home but to test them monthly. Replace all fire alarms over ten years and never take the batteries out of the alarm. For thorough and complete home protection, install an automatic sprinkler system.

Source: goodhousekeeping.com

Following Home Fire Safety Tips Can Save Lives 

There is no way to assure you will not be a victim of a home fire. However, being prepared with working smoke alarms, a confident escape plan, and being aware of signs of electrical issues can not only reduce the chance of fire but save you and your family’s life.