The thought of a home being caught on fire can be one of the biggest nightmares a family can experience. A house fire can turn everything you have worked for years into ashes in a matter of an hour. And the most terrifying of all, it can take away the lives of your loved ones, including your pets.
No one deserves to experience such a horrible fate. Your home, valuable possessions, and most especially family deserve protection. These are some useful tips to fire-proof your home.
Always Expect the Unexpected
The next common thing to do after a home purchase is to find the best protection for the home, such as house insurance. It is something everyone needs, but they hope they will never use. Having insurance, though, should not keep you complacent. It is still best to be prepared because the truth is no home is 100% fire-proof. Even the most secured home can’t be exempted from fire. Here’s what a homeowner must do:
- Survey the entrance and driveway. Make sure firefighters can find and access your home when an emergency arises.
- Secure fire exits in rooms. It can be the main door and the window.
- Perform a family fire drill twice a year.
It is also great to choose home-building materials that are fire-resistant during your house construction period. The walls can be the biggest contributing factor that can allow the fire to spread quickly. Look for siding companies that have years of experience to handle this one for you.
Place Fire Extinguishers in Key Areas
Fire extinguishers will be most beneficial if placed in the right location. Have fire extinguishers placed in common areas that fires occur, like kitchens and heating sources such as fireplaces.
During the family fire drill, educate the family members on the proper use of fire extinguishers.
It is also necessary to test these tools at least once a year to check if they are still properly working. A fire extinguisher should fail during a test than in the event of an emergency. Know those fire extinguishers come with end dates. Keep these dates in mind and replace them as needed.
Install Smoke Alarms
According to a report, 30 years ago, people had an average time of 17 minutes to run outside a burning house. But now, they only have about 3 to 4 minutes. The reason: furniture today burns faster than it was 30 years ago.
Given this fact, having an ample number of smoke alarms at home is crucial to make the best use of available escape time. Just like fire extinguishers, it is paramount to have these devices placed in the right position.
Where to place them?
- Kitchen (Keep a 10-foot distance from any kitchen appliance to avoid false detection)
- In and outside the bedroom
- Laundry room
- Stairway
- Hallway
- Garage
- Basement ceiling at the stairs leading out
Create a Fire-Safe Garden
Not all house fires start from the inside. Sometimes it is from the outside—and it can be worse. The wildfire that took place in California last 2020 had made Americans more aware of how seriously damaging this catastrophic event can be.
Fortunately, there is something a homeowner can do to prevent damage to his property. Or at least give family members more time to escape the fire. If a house is situated in areas prone to wildfire and bushfire, these tips may be useful.
- Plant fire-resistant plants – plants are less likely to burn if they are moist and aren’t dry, so make sure to keep them healthy all the time.
- Opt for non-flammable materials – Instead of having wooden decks, fences, and boardwalks, go for stone walls, concrete patios, or other materials that are less likely to ignite a fire.
- Regularly dispose of leaves and debris – Never collect dried leaves around the property. Rake them up and keep the yard clear of those.
- Prevent tree branches from touching the house – Keep the trees and shrubs at least five feet away from your house. In the event of fires, it’ll be hard to reach the home.
Conduct a Yearly Home Electrical Inspection
One of the top leading causes of fire is faulty wiring. When an electrical wire is loose, worn out, or broken, this is the cue to have an immediate electrical inspection. Even if it seemed everything in the house is working properly, homeowners still need to conduct an electrical inspection every year. Needless to say, this must be done by professional electricians to avoid further damage.
Having a regular electrical inspection also allows a homeowner to sleep at night, knowing that everyone in the family is safe from any electrical malfunction.
The home is much more than just a valuable possession. It is a place where families share and keep wonderful memories. It is a place that makes members of the family feel safe and comfortable. Protecting it at all costs equates to protecting the family.
