Indoor Fire Prevention Tips

The Importance of Fire Prevention in the Home: Protect Yourself and Your Family

Fire prevention is an important aspect of home safety, as fires can have devastating consequences. According to HouseFresh, the typical American citizen’s lifestyle consists of spending 90% of their time indoors, which means it’s important to be extra vigilant about fire prevention in the home. Here are some tips to help keep your home safe from fires:

Install Smoke Detectors

Smoke detectors are an essential part of fire prevention. They can alert you to a fire early on, giving you time to evacuate and call for help. Be sure to install smoke detectors on every floor of your home, including the basement, and in every bedroom. Test your smoke detectors regularly to make sure they are working properly.

Keep a Fire Extinguisher Handy

A fire extinguisher can be a lifesaver in case of a small fire. Keep a fire extinguisher in an easily accessible location, such as the kitchen or garage, in case you need to use it. Make sure you know how to use the fire extinguisher before you need it – you can typically find instructions on the side of the extinguisher.

Don’t Leave Open Flames Unattended

Whether it’s a candle, a stovetop, or a fireplace, it’s important to never leave open flames unattended. Keep a close eye on anything that is burning and extinguish it when you’re finished using it.

Keep Flammable Items Away From Heat Sources

It’s important to keep flammable items, such as curtains, paper, or towels away from heat sources. This includes things like stoves, heaters, and cigarettes.

Have a Plan

It’s important to have a plan in case of a fire. Make sure everyone in your home knows what to do in case of a fire, including how to evacuate and where to meet up once outside. Practice your fire drill regularly to make sure everyone can safely execute these protective measures.

Keep an Eye On Your Electrical Systems

Electrical fires are a common cause of house fires. Be sure to regularly check your electrical outlets and cords to make sure they are not damaged or frayed. Avoid overloading outlets, and use power strips with surge protection to help prevent electrical fires. If you experience flickering lights or outlets that feel hot to the touch, have an electrician check it out as soon as possible.

Get Your Fire Protection Systems Inspected

Under the NFPA25 Code, fire protection systems are required to undergo regular visual inspections and functional tests to make sure that they are up-to-date and working properly according to design.

These various tests and inspections are done monthly, quarterly, semi-annually, annually, and at 5-year and 10-year intervals. It’s important to make sure your fire protection systems are in good working order, so be sure to schedule regular inspections.

Know Your Local Fire Department

In the event of a fire, it’s important to know how to contact your local fire department. There were 29,705 fire departments in the United States in 2018, and of these, 18% were all career or mostly career departments and protected 68% of the US population. It’s a good idea to keep the phone number for your local fire department handy, just in case.

Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late

By following these fire prevention tips, you can help keep your home safe from fires. It’s important to be vigilant about fire prevention, as even small fires can quickly get out of control and have devastating consequences.

Remember to install smoke detectors, keep a fire extinguisher handy, and have a plan in case of a fire. And don’t forget to get your fire protection systems inspected regularly to make sure they are in good working order.