House fires can be extremely devastating, not only causing financial losses but the loss of life too.
Additionally, most house fires start because of some careless actions of the homeowner. Considering the fact that an unchecked house fire can burn a home down within minutes, it’s a good idea to consider this threat seriously. Avoiding house fires can be done by applying some responsible measures.
Not only will these lower the risk of house fires, but they will also ensure that you can get the fires under control, even if you do have to deal with them:
Have Functional Smoke Alarms
One of the biggest causes of house fires is smoke alarms that failed. Always make sure that your smoke alarms are functional and in good condition. Once a year, you should replace the batteries, even if the smoke alarm hasn’t been used a lot.
By keeping your smoke alarms in good condition, you can ensure that it will be functional and detect any fire as quickly as possible. To ensure you have the right smoke alarm, make sure to test them out a bit first. Pick the ones that you think will fit in with your home.
Check all the Heat Sources
Whether it’s a stove or a heater, make sure that anything which produces heat is in proper functional shape. Items that fall under this category include the toaster, microwave and the HVAC system as well. These all make use of electricity to produce heat.
They are also more likely to cause a fire, especially if sparks come in contact with their heating areas. By checking them properly, you can ensure that your home stays safe and you don’t have to worry about causing fires.
Maintain Electrical Cords
Another major cause of house fires happens to be electrical fires. These are caused not only by worn down wires but also from electrical cords. Make sure to check all your appliances and their cords to ensure that the plastic coating is not exposing any wires.
If the cords are getting patchy or exposed, you should get them replaced. Replacements can be costly so you can also use some electrician’s tape in order to patch up some of the cords. However, if the cord is just falling apart, it is a good idea to get it replaced.
Use Candles Carefully
Candles are the biggest contributors to house fires. There are numerous cases where a child, a pet or even adults knocked over candles and didn’t realize it. By the time they did, the fire had spread and caused a lot of damage.
That’s why always be careful of candles or any other open flames in your home. If you have a fireplace, make sure it has a grating in front of it which keeps sparks away. Similarly, make sure that any candles you light up are contained properly. Tea candles should be kept in jars and even jar candles should have small wicks and flames you can keep an eye on.
Conclusion
House fires can be avoided with the help of some necessary precautions. You can also get your home fire-proofed with the help of the right professionals.
