Bedroom Fire Safety - What To Consider

Fire safety in the bedroom is a critical issue. Each year, fire claims the lives of 4000 people and injures approximately 25,000. A common origin of these fires is in the bedroom. Often, bedroom fires happed because of the misuse of electrical devices, such as overloading cords or using portable heaters too close to the bed or clothing. To help fireproof your home, the following is a list of bedroom fire safety tips:

Teach Fire Safety to your Children

Children of all ages set over 100,000 fires annually. Over 30 percent of fires that kill children are set by children playing with matches. Keep matches and lighters locked up and away from children. Check under beds and in closets for burnt matches, evidence your child may be playing with matches. Teach children that fire is a tool not a toy and they can get hurt. Finally, don’t allow children to play with electrical cords or appliances.

Develop a fire escape plan

In the event of a fire, time is your biggest enemy. An effective escape plan can get you and your family out quickly. In less than 30 seconds a small flame can race through your home and turn into a major fire. It only takes a minute for your home to be filled with thick, black smoke and become engulfed in flames. Your fire escape route from the bedroom should have two ways out. Make sure your windows are not stuck, and screens can be removed quickly. Have the family practice the plan once a month.

Security Bars Require Special Precautions

Security bars may help keep your family safe from intruders; but they can trap you in a deadly fire. Make sure your security bars have release devices so they can be opened. If your bars have no such device, replace them. Finally, make sure family members can open the bars to exit the bedroom.

Remember, having a working smoke alarm dramatically increases your chance of survival.
Replace worn, frayed or damaged appliance cords immediately. Use electrical cords wisely and don’t overload them. Replace light switches that are hot to the touch and lights that flicker. Use safety closures to childproof electrical outlets.

Portable Heaters and electrical blankets

Take extra care when using portable heaters. Keep bedding, clothes, curtains and other combustible items at least 3 feet away from space heaters. Only use lab-approved electric blankets and warmers. Check to make sure the cords are not frayed.

Bed Safety

Replace mattresses made before the 1973 Federal Mattress Flammability Standard. Mattresses made since then are required by law to be safer. Finally, do not smoke in bed.