According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), around 338,000 fire incidents happened in American homes in 2021 and were responsible for 75% of the fire-related civilian deaths and injuries.
Many people assume that their house will not catch fire, and in most cases they are correct. However, they also don’t realize how easy and quickly it is for residential house fires to get out of control. Preparation and planning is by far the most important steps you can take in order to mitigate the potentially devastating impacts of a house fire.
According to ready.gov, a house fire can become life-threatening in 30 seconds. Most people have less than two minutes to escape before they are trapped and in need of specialized rescue. Here are safety tips to protect your family from fire injuries and tragedies.
Invest in fire safety equipment
Purchase and place fire extinguishers in strategic locations around the house including the sleeping areas, the kitchen, the basement, and the garage. Talk about the locations with the occupants of the house and take the time to learn how to use the equipment so that you will be ready when a fire occurs. If you have an upstairs, place at least two fire ladders upstairs and show your children how to set them up.
2. Install Smoke Detectors
Install smoke detectors with long-life batteries in every sleeping room, the kitchen, and outside sleeping areas. Also, use detectors that detect carbon monoxide especially if you have a fireplace or a wood stove. Test them every month to ensure they are working.
3. Create A Fire Escape Plan
Hire a fire expert or seek assistance from the local fire department to develop a fire escape plan (contact our team, we have several firemen on staff). Make sure your family understands the plan and has a clear idea of what to do in case of a fire. Conduct a fire drill to practice escaping each room and level of your home under various conditions.
4. Ensure Safe Use of Space Heaters
Space heaters pose a significant fire risk due to their proximity to flammable items. Ensure space heaters are at least three feet away from objects in the room. Avoid using extensions by plugging them into the wall and turning them off before sleeping.
5 . Observe Fireplace Safety
If you have a wood-burning fireplace, have your chimney inspected and cleaned (if used often, clean it frequently). Ensure there are no flammable items within three feet of the wood stoves or fireplace. Never leave open fires unattended or leave children and pets alone with the fire burning. Make sure the chimney is free of debris and vegetation at the time and ensure a spark arrestor is in good condition.
6. Ensure Electrical Safety
Regularly inspect electrical outlets, switches, light fixtures and appliances to ensure they are in good condition. Signs of faulty electrical outlets and devices include hot surfaces, tripping breakers, dimming lights, smoke, buzzing sounds, loose connections, and frayed wires. Hire a reputable professional for the installation of new electrical components. Ensure your home is free of pest activity because pests can damage wiring behind walls and in attics.
7. Observe Natural Gas Safety
If your home is equipped with gas, check for leaking gas lines and fittings. If you smell natural gas (it has a distinct smell), move your family out of the house and call the local fire department or gas company. If you have a gas furnace, be certain to have your HVAC system inspected annually by a licensed professional to ensure the furnace is working properly.
8. Ensure Safe Cooking
Cooking is the leading cause of home fires. Ensure safety in your kitchen by never leaving cooking food unattended and turning off the heat source when leaving the kitchen. Be certain that there is no loose clothing or dangling ornaments that could catch fire. Be especially alert when cooking items with heavy oil or grease.
9. Take Extra Care During Holidays
Residential fires peak during holidays. Reduce fire risk by cooking outdoors during major holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas. Avoid candles and ensure all the holiday lights are safe. Use extra precaution when decorating a home with a “live” Christmas tree.
10. Educate Your Family Members About Fire Safety
Teach your children about fire hazards such as lighters, gas lines, and flammable objects. Practice fire safety and response drills so that they know how to respond to fire alarms and fires. Discuss openly your strategy so that all occupants are prepared in an emergency.
We recently had the chance to speak with a local realtor and friend of Dwell Inspect Arizona, who experienced a fire that destroyed his family’s home. Trevor sat down with us to record an episode of Just Another Real Estate Podcast and was kind enough to talk about his experience. His response to the event and his resilience and optimism in the face of such an enormous loss is truly inspiring. Listen to Trevor’s episode of Just Another Real Estate Podcast here.
