Maintaining proper fire safety should be at the top of your to-do list for keeping your family safe. Following a few basic steps can enable you to rest easy when it comes to fire safety.
1. Keep Working Smoke Detectors
Smoke detectors should always be installed on the ceiling in your home. Most states require that homes have at least one working smoke detector, while some states have more stringent policies. Whatever the policy in your state, installing more smoke detectors than required can only help keep your family safe.
2. Know the Location of the Nearest Fire Hydrant
Being aware of the fire hydrant nearest your home can assist the fire department to begin their job as quickly as possible should a fire occur in your house. Just as you must test your smoke detectors, testing fire hydrants California ensures fire hydrants are fully operative.
3. Keep a Fire Extinguisher Handy
Having a fire extinguisher in your home can prevent fires from spreading. The National Fire Protection Agency recommends at least one fire extinguisher on each floor of your home. However, the most important room for a fire extinguisher is in the kitchen.
4. Develop a Plan
Every family should have a plan in place for emergencies such as fires. Develop an emergency exit route for each member of your family and designate a meeting place outside the home. Practice drills will give your family the confidence to act quickly in the face of disaster.
5. Sleep with Bedroom Doors Closed
Keeping the bedroom door closed at night can prevent smoke from traveling into bedrooms as you sleep. This will keep you from inhaling smoke which can be deadly. Less oxygen for the fire also means the fire will be unable to spread thereby allowing you and your family more time to evacuate.
6. Take Precautions in the Kitchen
You should never leave your stovetop unattended. Instead, remain nearby and keep a watchful eye on all stovetop cooking. Keep baking soda and pan lids handy to contain flames should they somehow erupt. Lastly, as previously mentioned, keep a fire extinguisher within reach of your stove.
You have nothing to lose by over-preparing, and everything to lose by failing to do so. However, despite the most careful planning, accidents and emergencies can happen to you. By carefully following fire safety precautions, you can minimize the damage done to your loved ones and your property.