Fire Prevention Tips for Homeowners

Posted on: 5 August 2017

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No one wants to become the victim of fire, but thousands of house fires happen every day. The right fire prevention techniques can mean the difference between a safe and secure home and a home that has been heavily damaged — or even destroyed — by fire.

Whether you have been in your home for decades or just moved in yesterday, there are a few common-sense fire prevention techniques you should be using. Here are some smart fire prevention tips every homeowner needs to follow:

Keep a fire extinguisher in the kitchen and another in the garage.

Pouring water on a grease fire will only make things worse. The moisture will cause the grease to flare up even more, putting you and your family at risk. Keeping a chemical-based fire extinguisher in the kitchen and garage will help you deal with grease fires promptly.

Follow common-sense grilling techniques.+

Cooking on the grill is a great way to enjoy healthy meals with your family, but charcoal and gas grills can cause fires when used improperly. Always use the grill outside, and only in a well-ventilated area. Store extra propane bottles properly, and never keep them in the house or garage.

Use only UL-approved surge protectors, extension cords and power strips.

Look for the UL-approved label on the cords and power strips you buy, and keep a close eye out for damaged plugs and connectors. Never try to repair a frayed extension cord; throw it away immediately and buy a new one.

Vacuum regularly behind the furniture, and watch out for obstructions around electrical outlets. A buildup of dust and dirt behind the sofa and around electrical plugs could spark a fire.

Empty the lint trap on the dryer after every load. Allowing lint to build up could cause the dryer to overheat and spark a fire.

Never daisy-chain power strips or extension cords by plugging one into the other. Invest in a few extra-long extension cords to avoid this potentially dangerous situation.

Keep your cell phones charged and in a convenient location. Grab the phone and exit the home at the first sign of smoke or fire. It is better to call the fire department since trying to extinguish a fire on your own is very dangerous.

Test your smoke detectors regularly and replace the batteries twice a year. Changing your smoke detector batteries when you change the clocks is a good practice and one that can enhance the safety of your family.

Hold regular fire drills and make sure everyone knows how to get out of the house. Remind the kids to test the temperature of the door before opening it since fire could be lurking right behind that closed door.

Consider adding sprinklers and active fire suppression to your home. Retrofitting an older home with sprinklers may not be as expensive as you think.

Fire prevention is an important part of home ownership. The best way to survive a fire is to stop it from happening, so print out the tips above and keep them in a prominent location.

Discover more on fire prevention strategies to use in your home.