How to Prevent A House Fire

According to The National Fire Protection Association, 92% of all structure fire deaths in the United States are a result of residential fires. On average, 8 people die every day in the U.S. from a structure fire.

While these statistics are rather startling, it’s important to realize that with proper preparedness, they can change. The following fire safety tips will help you reduce the chances your family will be faced with a devastating house fire.

Fire Safety Tips

• Be cautious when cooking. Keep oven mitts, towels and other materials away from the stove while you’re cooking. Never attempt to put a grease fire out with water. It only takes seconds for a grease fire to spread. If you’re cooking with gas, never leave your stove unattended.
   
• Unplug appliances and turn off gas. When you plan to be away from your home for a longer duration of time, it’s a good idea to unplug appliances that won’t require electricity. Shut off the gas to the stove and unplug the dryer.
   
• Examine electrical wiring in your home. Fires can start from the smallest of sparks. Be careful not to overload outlets. If you have multiple plugs it’s best to use a power strip. If you identify any electrical issues that are concerning, contact an electrician immediately.
   
• Keep clothes dryer vents clean. Lint can easily build up in dryer vents and are a big fire hazard. Make an effort to clean dryer vents at least twice a year.
   
• Have your chimney cleaned. Embers from the fireplace can move up the flue, igniting debris inside. It is not uncommon for fires to start inside a chimney. Especially if you moved into a home with an existing fireplace, it’s best to get it cleaned before having a fire.
   
• Keep curtains away from heaters. Make sure that your curtains or bed sheets are not hanging too close to baseboards or registers. It is never a good idea to use a heater as a clothes dryer. Clothing can melt and easily ignite.
   
• Be careful with candles. When burning candles in your home, never leave them unattended. Always burn candles in a well-ventilated area with enough overhead clearance to remain safe.

In the event of a fire, make sure your family is protected. At least one smoke detector should be installed on each floor of your home. If you use a smoke detector that operates on batteries, replace the batteries every six months to assure the detectors remain reliable.

Every home should have at least one fire extinguisher that is easily accessible, like underneath the kitchen sink. Pay special attention to the expiration date. Extinguishers become unreliable if used past their date of expiration.

For extra peace of mind, consider installing a home security system. In addition the benefits of security in the event of an intruder, security systems today can notify authorities of a fire. Connecting your smoke or fire detectors directly to your monitoring station, authorities can be notified of a fire. This is especially crucial when you are away from home and unable to call for help.

When the safety of your family and home is on the line, you can never be too careful.

Contact Michigan’s home security specialists today to learn more about how you can keep your family and assets safe.