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Fire Protection in the Home
The number one worry for most homeowners is the threat of a fire. Thankfully, there are ways that you can protect your home against the risk of fire. Here are some tips that you can use.
Smoke Detectors
Smoke detectors need to be installed in every home. At a minimum, there should be one near the kitchen and one near the bedrooms. If you have a multi-storey home, there should be detectors on every level of the house. Test the detectors at least once a month, and keep the detectors free from dust. If you have battery operated smoke detectors, replace the batteries at least once a year or sooner if you detect a chirping sound. If the smoke detector is wired into the building’s electricity, ensure that the signal light blinks periodically as this tells you that the alarm is working.
Fire Extinguishers and Blankets
Fire extinguishers are a great addition to any home and should be placed in the kitchen, garage, and workshop, if you have one. Ensure that the fire extinguisher you buy is capable of putting out different types of fire. Always make yourself familiar with how the extinguisher works before an emergency occurs and only use it on small fires. For larger fires, exit the home immediately and call 000. A fire blanket is also a good thing to have. They smother fires or you can wrap them around people if their clothes should catch alight. Always place the blanket on a burning oil or fat fire, never throw it. Leave the blanket on for at least 15 minutes.
The Emergency “Fire Plan”
It is an excellent idea to have a “fire plan” in case the worst does happen. Have a plan of your home with the exits clearly marked. Sleep with the bedroom door closed as it helps to hold back heat and smoke in the event of a fire. However, if the door feels hot, do not open it – use another door or window to escape. Have an agreed location where all the members of the household will meet after evacuation. Once it is safe for you to do so, call 000.
Heat the Home Safely
Heating, while a godsend in winter, can be dangerous if not handled properly. If you have a fireplace, ensure that you use a fireplace screen to stop sparks from flying around. Keep newspapers, kindling, matches, and rugs away from the front of the fireplace, and always have the chimney inspected before the start of a new winter. A chimney spark arrester will prevent roof fires. If you have a gas fireplace, strike the match first and then turn on the gas.
Heating equipment needs to be properly installed and maintained. Keep combustible materials away from the heater and never leave a heater operating when you are not in the room. Heaters should always be placed so that they have plenty of air circulation around them. Extension cords should not be used with heaters. If you have a gas heater, light the match before turning the gas on.
Using the Dryer
The clothes dryer should never be left running when you leave the home. Always vent the dryer to the outside of the home, not into a wall or an attic. Clean the lint screen before every use. This will ensure that the airflow is maintained to the dryer. Finally, never put synthetic fabrics, rubber, plastic or foam into the dryer as they retain heat.
Prevent Fires While Cooking
Cooking is one of the most risky activities in the home when it comes to fire. Always stay in the kitchen while you are cooking and always keep combustible materials at least a metre away from the stove. Keep any loose sleeves or clothing contained, as they can touch the burner and potentially catch fire. If you are barbecuing, leave at least a metre between the barbecue and any materials that have any chance at all of igniting, and never leave it unattended when in use. Always check the gas and gas connections periodically.
Other Handy Tips
These additional tips may see you preventing a fire in your home:
• only use candles under supervision and always blow them out if you are leaving the room
• petrol and other flammable products should be kept in an appropriate container in the garage or shed
• don’t plug in too many appliances at once
• avoid using double adapters – power boards are much safer
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References
Related Categories
Inspections - Building