One of the worst things you can face as a homeowner is a fire in your home. Not only can it be life-threatening, but it can leave thousands of dollars’ worth of damage in its wake. The one good thing about an accidental fire in your home is that it can be prevented with a few proactive steps. Here’s how to prevent a fire in your home.
Heat Safely
Spring is here, but that doesn’t mean the nights aren’t chilly. Many home owners are still using their heating system or space heaters this time of year, and heating your home is one way many home fires are started. Be sure to have your central heating system professionally inspected and cleaned each season. And if you use a portable electric space heater, do so with plenty of space between it and any curtains, bedding, or anything else flammable. A good rule of thumb is to keep at least three feet of clearance around your heater.
Check Electric System
Electric equipment is another way home fires are can start quickly and silently. To avoid this, make sure you are familiar with all of your electrical equipment. If anything is faulty, it is time to be retired. If you notice any frayed or torn cords or wires, make sure they are repaired or tossed out. Keep cords out from under furniture or near flammable objects as some wires can get hot.
Don’t Smoke
Smoking is bad for your health, but it is also poses a risk for fires in the home. Do yourself a favor and quit smoking! If you do choose to smoke, make sure it is done outside. This will also eliminate any threat of second-hand smoke.
Be Careful with Candles
While they create a cozy ambiance, candles or other open flames are a common source of fire in many homes. If you choose to use candles, make sure they are far from any flammable material or objects. If you have children or pets at home, you also need to be sure that the candle is in a place where it can’t be moved, touched, or knocked over. And if you plan to leave the house, make sure each and every candle is extinguished before leaving. Better yet, choose some battery-operated candles which are safe and offer the same lighting.
Cooking
The kitchen is a known source of heat, which means you should be careful when cooking especially as it pertains to fires in your home. In fact, stove-top cooking is the leading cause of home fires. If you begin cooking, follow through. Problems arise when something is left on the stove and forgotten about. When the stove is on, it should have your full attention.
Emergency Plan
While the above tips will help you to prevent a home fire, it is important to have a plan in case of an emergency. Talk with your family about emergency exits and your emergency route in a worst-case-scenario. If you have window wells, make sure your window well covers are easy to open from the inside.
The window well covers from Windowell Expressions protect your home while providing an easy emergency exit. Call them today with any questions you may have about basement emergency exits!
