Inspecting Your Home for Fire Safety Vulnerabilities

Fire awareness and removal of potential hazards are crucial elements to fire safety. Several items you use daily or keep in storage, such as combustible liquids, candles, cigarettes, the fireplace and even the cooking stove, can be detrimental to your house's safety if not used with caution.

You can increase house safety by inspecting your home regularly and following the necessary precautions and safety measures to keep yourself and your family safe from fire.

Your home must be equipped with a working smoke detector and a fire extinguisher. Every member of your family must be aware of the dangers of fire and prepared in case of emergencies.

Cooking Area

The kitchen is probably the most fire-prone area in your home. Always be cautious and alert during and after the process of cooking food. If you have leftover oil after frying food, store it in an airtight container.

Never leave the utensil on the cooking range or stove. Keep oven mitts, aprons, and other cooking apparel stored safely away from the cooking range. Accidents can take place easily, and such materials can catch fire before you know it.

Never leave matches or lighters in open or accessible locations that young children can easily reach. Avoid wearing loose, long clothing when you cook, and never leave the cooking area when a stove is turned on.

Living Area

Your fireplace must be equipped with a reliable screen that will keep sparks in check. If you have young children, keep them a safe distance away by using gates. Keep the area around the fireplace clear of clutter, especially papers and combustible materials.

Enlist a qualified professional every year to inspect the fireplace and chimney. Clean combustible deposits as required.

If smokers live in your household, provide ashtrays for use, and dispose of the ashes before you go to bed. Before disposing of the ashes, make sure there are no embers burning. Check the surroundings for any cigarette butts that may have fallen.

Outdoor fireplaces and firepits must sit at least 10 feet away from your home and deck. Electric wires and cables, as well as trees and shrubs, must also be a safe distance away.

Other Potential Risks

If possible, avoid storing combustible materials such as gasoline in your home. At least store them in airtight containers. Never smoke near any combustible elements.

If any of your electrical devices starts emitting smoke or fumes, discontinue use immediately and repair or replace the item. Check all electrical outlets for overloading, and correct as necessary.

Have your heating system checked regularly. Treat your roof with a fire retardant material.

Avoid accumulating newspapers and other items that you will not be using. Keep your home free of clutter. Your wiring must be installed only by a licensed electrician.

Avoid situations and appliance placements that require wires to pass under carpets or rugs. Keep the use of candles minimal, especially in the presence of young children.