Every year, more than 180,000 people die due to burn accidents. According to the National Fire Protection Association, a structural fire affects an average of 358,500 residential properties annually, and house fires resulted in 2,620 deaths and $6.9 billion in property damage over a five-year period.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency deduced that the top three main culprits of house fires are cooking, heating equipment, and electrical malfunction
In California, wildfires are becoming more intense each year. As families move to fire-prone locations at a time when survivors strive to restore their destroyed homes, the topic of how to create a fire-resistant home inevitably arises.
With fires occurring virtually every other day, you’ve got to consider how you can keep your home safe. The fact of the matter is that simple preventive measures can help you fireproof your home, family, and property. Smartifying your home by keeping safety in mind and incorporating or installing design features for your home is a start.
Fireproof Your Home Today in 8 Ways
Read on to learn about more efficient solutions and huge investments that help fireproof your home.
- Turn off heated appliances and unplug unused electronics
Excess power flowing through your home’s gadgets is always a fire risk. Even when computers, televisions, game consoles, and other electronic devices are turned off, they still consume electricity. They might experience a surge at any time or simply overheat and catch fire.
You can lessen the chances of fire by unplugging them while not in use. Don’t also leave these devices running, especially if you’re not at home.
- Invest in high-quality fire-fighting and preventive equipment
A fire extinguisher can mean the difference between putting out a fire and losing everything. Fire extinguishers are classed by the type of fire intended to be put out. When purchasing a fire extinguisher, look for the ABC rating, and put one in every room, particularly the kitchen where a fire is most likely to start.
- Opt for fire-retardant chemicals in your household
Spray environmentally safe fire retardants in your home’s most fire-prone locations. Fire retardants use a chemical reaction to limit the spread of fire or form a barrier between the fire and your residence.
When redecorating or renovating your property, make sure to use materials such as steel frame, metal, and concrete. Stone, brock, and concrete are also better materials for decking instead of wood. Then, use fire-resistant paints. While you’re at it, look into fire-rated glass and fire-rated doors.
- Keep combustible items away from heat sources
Fabrics, paper, and hair, which are flammable, should never be exposed to high heat or flame. Always be on the lookout for anything that could cause a fire or become an issue. Keep an eye on heat sources and anything surrounding them.
- Educate your loved ones about fire control and safety
One of the most important things you can do is make sure that everyone in your house, including your children, is trained in fire safety. How many of us leave the kitchen with food simmering on the stove? We know it’s risky, but we go ahead and do it anyway.
Use your resources, such as your local fire department, to educate your family on domestic fire safety and make small yet preventative changes around the house.
- De-clutter your house
By reducing clutter in your home, you can reduce your fire risk and raise your chances of surviving it. Too much flammable stuff strewn about the house might create many areas for the fire to spread, so make your home a little more organized and get rid of some of the unnecessary clutter.
- Keep track of your electrical lines
Monitor your home’s outlets and take note of any wires that cease working unexpectedly. It could be an indication of a problem lurking behind the walls. Examine your electrical appliances for frayed or damaged cords. These could also be symptoms of a problem, and you don’t want to introduce them into your electrical system if you already know about them.
- Don’t smoke inside the house
If you must smoke be it for recreation and stress release, make sure to do so in a well-ventilated environment and extinguish the cigarette properly before discarding it. Cigarettes contain a variety of chemicals that may cause them to burn even after you think you’ve extinguished them. Its flame can cause a fire inside or outside your trash bin. This risk can be mitigated by smoking outside and watching out for stray ashes.
The Bottom Line
Accidents involving fires can result in the damage of property and the loss of lives. However, modest household security measures such as using fire-retardant materials and removing dry plants surrounding your home can help avoid fires.
Some fires develop due to minor oversights. Turn off the electrical and gas mains and keep lights away from children. Take out a house insurance policy to protect yourself from fire-related damages.
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Diana San Diego Diana San Diego is the VP of Marketing for SAFTI FIRST with over 15 years of experience in public relations, marketing, and the architectural glazing industry. She enjoys golf, wine, and travelling. |
