Fires are very destructive and can happen very quickly. It is important to be proactive in preventing house fires.
According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), there are an estimated 350,000 house fires in the United States each year. These fires result in over 3,500 deaths and $6.5 billion in property damage.
The vast majority of these fires – about 90% – are caused by human error. There are a number of things you can do to help prevent a fire from starting in your home. Follow these tips to help keep you and your family safe.
How to Respond to a House Fire
If a fire does start in your home, it is important to know how to respond quickly and safely. Here are some steps to follow:
1) Get out of the house immediately
If there is a fire in your home, you need to get out of the house immediately. Do not try to fight the fire.
2) Close doors behind you
As you are leaving the house, close doors behind you to help contain the fire.
3) Call 911
Once you are out of the house, call 911 and report the fire.
4) Stay outside
Do not go back into the house for any reason. Wait for firefighters to arrive and let them handle the situation.
Following these steps can help you stay safe in the event of a house fire. Remember, if there is a fire in your home, get out immediately and call 911. Do not try to fight the fire yourself. Fire watch guards can also be a good idea.
A fire watch is when someone is assigned to walk around and look for any signs of a fire. This person should have a phone so they can call 911 if they see a fire.
Fire drills are also important. Everyone in the family should know what to do in the event of a fire. Practice your fire drill at least once a year. You can even practice it more often if you want.
There are several things you can do to help prevent a fire from starting in your home.
Inspect cords
Inspect your electrical cords and make sure they are not frayed or damaged. If they are, replace them immediately. You also need to ensure that cords are not running under carpets or furniture, as this can cause them to overheat and start a fire.
Keep flammable items away from heat sources
Flammable items should be kept away from heat sources such as stoves, candles, and fireplaces. It is also important to keep these items away from other heat-producing items such as computers and televisions.
Have a working smoke alarm
A smoke alarm can help give you an early warning of a fire. Make sure you have a working smoke alarm in your home and test it regularly. You should also have a plan for what to do if the smoke alarm goes off.
Don’t overload electrical outlets
Overloading electrical outlets can cause them to overheat and start a fire. Make sure you don’t plug too many things into one outlet.
Be careful with cooking
Be careful when cooking and make sure to keep an eye on what you are cooking. Never leave food unattended on the stovetop. If a fire does start, know how to put it out safely.
Have a fire extinguisher
A fire extinguisher can help you put out a small fire before it gets out of control. Make sure you have a fire extinguisher in your home and know how to use it properly.
Stay aware
It is important to stay aware of your surroundings and what could potentially start a fire. Fire watch guards is a good dea for areas prone to wildfires or commercial properties. Be mindful of things like candles, cigarettes, and matches and make sure they are kept out of the reach of children.
Taking these precautions can help you prevent a house fire from happening in your home. If a fire does start, know how to respond quickly and safely.