Fire Hazards: 5 Life-Saving Ways To Prevent Fire In Your Home

How Can You Prevent Fire Hazards?

1. Install Smoke Detectors

2. Invest In A Fire Extinguisher

3. Electrical Safety

4. Create A Solid Fire Escape Plan

5. Store Flammable Products Safely

INTRODUCTION

Your home is not just a four-cornered wall that provides shelter for you and your family. Your home is a fortress. It’s that safe place you make beautiful memories and build a life with your family. You don’t need to be told to protect what’s yours from danger-prone threats like fire. Fire hazards are one of the most dreadful calamities that can strike a home.

Since the dry season is still around the corner, you have more reasons to be more careful about the dangers of fire hazards. From November through March, there’s usually a high rise in fire outbreaks in Nigeria . This is because of the dry wind that makes fire spread easily at the tiniest ignition.

But the dry season is not the only time to worry about fire hazards. Fire hazards come without warning and can happen at any time. My neighbor didn’t plan to have his properties destroyed from a fire incident on Democracy Day, but it happened.

When fire outbreaks occur, it can be devastating, leaving victims with saddening aftermath, from material loss to injury, health hazards, and death. The Federal fire service has reported that 4,541 calls were made to the fire agency nationwide between 2020 and 2021 and 378 rescue emergencies were recorded. Available media reports have also revealed that between 2019 and 2021, Nigeria experienced fire outbreaks resulting in 79 death out of 68 fires within 18 months. 31 of these fire incidents were market places with Lagos and Anambra having the highest cases.

HOW CAN YOU PREVENT FIRE HAZARDS

Most fire hazards are preventable, especially when you have a thoughtful fire escape plan. If you’ve been hearing the same news about fire hazards every time, shouldn’t that be a sign for you to have an emergency plan? Want to protect yourself and your loved one from fire hazards? Follow these 5 life-saving tips:

1. Install Smoke Detectors

One of the most effective ways of preventing fire hazards in your home is by properly installing smoke and fire detectors in your home. These detectors are your first line of defense when you experience a fire outbreak. A smoke detector has sensors that sound the alarm when it detects smoke.

The kitchen is one of the most critical places to install a smoke alarm because it has a high potential for fire hazards.?Place your smoke detectors in strategic places when fire incidents can occur. Test your smoke detector regularly to ensure it works well so you can be sure you'll be alerted when there's a fire outbreak.

2. Invest in a Fire Extinguisher

If your smoke detectors detect smoke or fire in your home, a fire extinguisher will help you put out the fire. You should have at least one fire extinguisher within easy reach in your house. However, these fire extinguishers don't last forever. Always perform the required 6th-year maintenance inspection and annual inspection. Monitor the pressure gauge, recharge, and replace your extinguisher when required.

3. Electrical Safety

One of the leading causes of fire hazards is electrical malfunctions. The best way to prevent this is to avoid fixing electrical wiring on your own. I know you are very handy and can fix almost any electrical appliances. But you are not the pro. Let a qualified electrician do the job. In addition, be sure to unplug electrical wires that are not in use.

Excess electricity flowing through electrical appliances in your home are potential fire hazards. This means they could cause a power surge, overheat or cause a fire incident. To avoid power surges, you should also use surge protectors. Surge protectors prevent excess electricity flow and reduce the risk of fire hazards. Conduct maintenance on your electrical appliances before they become faulty and cause harm.

4. Create a Solid Fire Escape Plan

When there’s a fire outbreak, the first thing you’ll think about is how to escape if you can’t contain the situation. House fires can spread quickly which is why you need a fire escape plan before it happens. A good exit plan should allow you and your family to escape safely without getting injured.

Identify at least two exit points out of every room. This could also be through doors and windows. Discuss and show the plans to your family members. Educate your children on what to do when there’s a fire so everyone is on board and can be protected from fire hazards.

5. Store Flammable Products Safely

There are various flammable products around your house from household cleaning agents, cooking agents, and self-care products. These products can combust when in close contact with a large heating source. To prevent smoke or fire damage, identify flammable products in your home and ensure you store them away from heat.

TAKE HOME

You’ve invested a lot of time, money, and emotions into making your home a comfortable space for you and your loved ones. Losing your home and loved ones to fire is a devastating experience. This is why you should take necessary precautions to save your home from fire hazards. To protect your home and family from fire incidents, you need professional home maintenance, especially for your electrical appliances. Get in touch with us today to find out how we can help you maintain your electrical appliances to prevent fire hazards.