Fire at home can take lives, destroy property and burn valuables. You are at huge risk without the proper fire prevention guidelines in place. Having your home destroyed by fire is devastating especially if it was due to simple negligence.
There are many common causes of house fires such as leaving cooking unattended; electrical equipment such as a toaster with a faulty wire or leaving electrical appliances plugged in; smoking in the house; candles that are close to paper, bed sheets and other combustible material; faulty wiring, barbeques, flammable liquids and light fixtures.
The following are fire prevention guidelines to avoid an accident from taking place at your home:
1. Cooking
Always remember to turn off the cooker when done cooking and while cooking keep a timer so that pots and pans don’t overheat. Never leave the cooker unattended and head out, into the shower or into another room. Always keep oil bottles far away from the stove.
2. Flammable objects, liquids and materials
One important fire prevention guideline is to be mindful of flammable objects and liquids. Avoid keeping flammable items, liquids or materials near your cooker or any other ignition source. Always store these objects safely in a location not close to any possible fire hazard.
3. Light fixtures
Lighting sources can result in electrical fires. Installing a bulb with a wattage that is too high for the lamp can result in a fire. Check the wattage of the lamp or lighting fixture and ensure to purchase the bulb with the matching wattage.
4. Electrical equipment and appliances
Don’t just switch off a device and leave the plug in the socket. Make sure to unplug equipment when not in use such as hair straighteners, irons and other similar appliances.
5. Faulty wiring and outlets
Faulty wiring and outlets can start a fire. It is recommended not to used appliances with damaged wiring or worn out cords. Replace damage cords and
6. Prevent smoking indoors
If you or a family member smoke, it is wise not to smoke at home. Smoke in designated areas outside your home and make sure that cigarette buds are extinguished.
7. Candles
Candles left burning and unattended can fall and spread fire in no time especially if near curtains, bedsheets and paper. Always remember to keep lit candles in sight and to blow them out when heading into another room or going to bed. Make sure that candles are placed on stable surfaces on a proper candle holder. Keep flammable objects far away from candles.
8. Fire alarm system
Ensure your fire alarm system at home is installed and maintained well. Choose a company that provides effective and affordable solutions to secure you, your family and your property. Test the fire alarm system at regular intervals to ensure it is working well.
9. Fire sprinklers/ fire extinguishers
The lack of a fire sprinklers or fire extinguishers at home can make it challenging to put out a fire. Ensure to install the necessary number of fire sprinklers for your home and have at least one fire extinguisher handy and in reach so you are not panicking to find it if faced with a fire. Fire sprinklers should be regularly maintained so that they work properly when a fire starts and spreads.
10. Better to be safe than sorry
Fires are preventable with forethought to minimize risks to you, your family and property. It is always better to be safe than sorry by ensuring that the fire alarm system and fire sprinkler systems at your home are well maintained and can quickly detect a fire outburst. An alarm is the best line of defense as it detects the presence of fire by monitoring the changes within the premises associated with combustion. The alarm provides early warning signs to evacuate the premises.