Fire prevention is the most important aspect of owning a fire protection company. Fire can cause extensive damage to personal property and public infrastructure, so business owners must take precautions to protect their employees, customers, and physical assets. In this post, we will provide some tips on preventing fires from happening in the first place.
Install Fire and Smoke Alarms
A smoke alarm is one of the best investments you can make to protect your family from a fire.
Fire and smoke alarms should be installed on every level of your home, including the basement, inside and outside sleeping areas. Test your alarms monthly and replace them if they’re more than ten years old.
Keep Flammable Materials Away from Your Home
Flammable materials like gasoline, propane, kerosene, fireworks, and charcoal grills should be stored in a shed or garage away from your home. If you want to store these items near your home, keep them in a metal container with a tight-fitting lid.
Don’t Overload Your Outlets.
If you’re using extension cords, make sure they are heavy-duty and don’t overload them. Also, never nail or staple extension cords to walls or baseboards, which can damage the cord and create a fire hazard.
Keep Candles Away from Flammable Objects
Never leave burning candles unattended, and make sure to keep them away from flammable objects like curtains, blankets, and paper. If you’re going to be out of the room for more than a few minutes, blow out all candles.
Don’t Leave Your Stovetop Unattended.
Don’t leave the area unattended if you’re cooking on the stovetop. Instead, stay in the kitchen while cooking and keep an eye on what you’re making. If you have to leave the room, turn off the stove.
Keep Your Fireplace Clean
If you have a fireplace, make sure it’s clean and good working order. Have your chimney inspected and cleaned annually by a professional. Don’t burn trash or wrapping paper in your fireplace, as these can create excessive heat and start a fire.
Use Space Heaters Safely
As winter approaches, many people will be using space heaters to keep warm. However, while space heaters can provide comfort and warmth, they can also be dangerous if not used properly. Here are some tips for safely using space heaters:
– Place the space heater on a level surface away from curtains, furniture, and other flammable objects.
Ensure the space heater has an automatic shut-off feature in case it gets too hot.
– Never leave a space heater unattended.
– Keep children and pets away from the space heater.
– If the space heater starts making strange noises or smells, unplug it and contact a fire protection company.
Don’t Leave Your Car Running in an Attached Garage.
If you have an attached garage, don’t leave your car running while inside the house. The exhaust from your vehicle can contain carbon monoxide, which is a deadly gas.
Store Matches and Lighters Out of Children’s Reach
Suppose you have young children in your home; store matches and lighters out of their reach. Please keep them in a high cabinet or drawer that your child can’t access. Teach your children about fire safety, and never leave them unattended near a burning candle or open flame.
Have a Fire Escape Plan
Fire escape plans are essential for ensuring your safety in a fire. When creating your project, including two ways out of every room, practise evacuating with your family, and designate a meeting spot outside. If you don’t have a fire escape plan, now is to create one.
If you follow these tips, you can greatly reduce the risk of a fire in your home. But remember, even if you take all the necessary precautions, fires can still happen. That’s why it’s important to have a fire protection company on standby in an emergency.