Fire Safety: 8 Steps to Protect Your Family Against Fire

Fire protection is a tremendously important issue, especially in the family home. According to statistics published this year by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, the most fatalities caused by fire happen in private houses.

It only takes about 2-3 breaths of toxic gases to lose consciousness. Most victims of house fires are 65-year-olds (and older) who didn’t have any working fire alarm or smoke detector in place. The most common suspected causes of fire are gas appliances and open fireplaces.

Follow these easy fire protection tips to keep your family and property safe.

1. Install a fire alarm and a carbon monoxide detector

It is the simplest solution that helps prevent tragedies. Many of the fatalities happen due to faulty heating appliances as a result of carbon monoxide poisoning. Most fires occur at night when everybody is asleep.

Without a decent smoke alarm, you have little chance of getting out alive as the poisonous smoke can kill you before the flames get close. Remember that carbon monoxide detectors, fire and smoke alarms should comply with safety standards and regulations.

2. Maintain your fire protection equipment

Installing a fire alarm system may not be enough to guarantee its work. Here is a list of things to do to make sure your equipment can save your and your family lives:

• Test your smoke alarm batteries every month. 
• Vacuum the dust off your devices every six months.
• Replace the batteries every 12 months.

3. Check electrical appliances

You should know your socket limits and make sure not to overload them as it can lead to overheating and fire hazards. Faulty electric appliances, overloaded sockets and wiring cause a remarkable amount of house fires every year. It is a good idea to have all boiler and cooker installations carried out by a professional engineer for your safety. 

4. Reduce common fire hazards

It is not a surprise that the most mundane things can lead to tragic events. So, here are examples of what you should not do:

• leave the kitchen when cooking
• place something on a stove or near (it can catch fire)
• throw hot trash directly into a garbage bag
• leave candles unattended
• use equipment with damaged wires and broken plugs

5. Create a fire safety plan

• Draw a plan for your home.
• Try to identify two ways out of every room if possible. Sometimes you may use windows as a second way.
• Make sure potential exits are clear at all times.
• Mark a meeting place a safe distance from your home. 
• Do not forget to consider young children and people with mobility issues.

6. Invest in fire protection equipment

Fire blankets and fire extinguishers can save you from some considerable damage if a fire occurs. However, you must know how to use them as any misuse can cause injury. Obtain professional advice if you do have any doubts. 

7. Book a fire safety check

Many services are offering a fire risk assessment. During a visit, the professionals check your house and provide some advice suited to your individual needs and home.

8. Practice 

You and all your family members should practise getting out of your home by all exits. Hold fire drills for the entire family so that everyone would know what to do. Remind your family members that they cannot waste time collecting possessions or pets when there is a fire. Advise them to stay low to avoid smoke when moving towards safety.

Fires at home can start accidentally, and the effects can be devastating. However, there are some things any family can do to help prevent such accidents and keep you safe in case of emergency. For example, fitting fire alarms and carbon monoxide detectors, maintaining them properly and purchasing additional fire protection equipment.

Moreover, reduce your everyday fire risks and check your existing electric appliances. All the above-mentioned things together with professional advice and regular fire drills can guarantee peace of mind to the entire family.