Home is where the heart is. Think of the preciousness of who live in the home and the items of sentimental value that cannot be replaced; we want to do all we can to prevent a home fire! You may have the insurance to cover the losses, and hopefully your policy includes paying for you to live elsewhere until the home is restored, but needing to shop again for the appliance’s furnishings, wardrobe, kitchenware you have gathered over the years…all are strong motivators to prevent such an event. Here are tips of what to watch out for that have been causes of a fire.
Kitchen: Cooking appliances are the leading cause of home fires. It’s best when cooking on the stove top, a countertop toaster oven or toaster to not leave it unattended. If you must step away, either turn off the heat or set a timer to remind you to promptly return to check. If you have a grease fire, put on the pan’s lid to smother the flames, do NOT attempt to carry the pan outside or throw water on it. Keep dish towels away from heat and flame. If you are using the heat setting on a dishwasher, its best to stay at home in case it malfunctions and starts a fire.
Laundry: If you notice it is taking longer for clothes to dry, you could have lint build up in the dryer vent exhaust line which can combust. Keep clothes away from a gas hot water heater. Portable generators should never be used indoors.
Electrical: Deteriorating electric cords that are cracked or frayed can spark a fire. If you have a pet that could chew on such do a visual check of your cords, or if a vacuum has grabbed one, consider it unusable. Do not run cords under rugs or furniture where they can overheat. Do not overload electrical sockets by using an extension cord with multiple plugs. If the extension cord is hot when they are in use, it is a sign it is best to plug the unit(s) directly into a socket. If a light switch or outlet feels hot to the touch or you see signs of smoke on an outlet or if it has a fishy smell, it has overheated and plastic has melted and it needs to be replaced. Appliances that are on stand-by when not in use are continually using electricity such as computers, TV, and the like. They are particularly prone to overheating and fire if there is a surge of electricity. Plug them into a surge protector.
Living Spaces: If you are using a space heater there should be a 3-foot clearance all around the unit. If you use a fireplace, close the glass doors or mesh to prevent an ember starting a fire. Make sure the fire is completely out before going to bed. Have your fireplace inspected and cleaned to prevent soot build up.
Safely Store Fire Accelerators: Keep these items away from a heat source: Aerosol cans, cooking oils, flour, nondairy creamer, oranges, hand sanitizer, cleaners, detergent, fabric softener, bleach, paint, paint thinner, adhesives, nail polish and polish remover, polish, bedding, mattresses, lighter fluid, gasoline, pool products and auto products.
For Safety’s Sake: Check smoke detectors monthly to make sure they are operational, they save lives! They should be replaced every ten years and each bedroom and floor should have one. Rely on battery powered lighting when the power goes out rather than candles. Do not allow anyone to smoke in your home.
Bonus tips: Keep rooms and pathways clear of clutter and put things away so there is less fuel for a fire and you can more easily make a quick exit. Breathing in smoke can cause one to not think clearly, and it makes it difficult to see. Always sleep with the bedroom door closed! Smoke and toxic gases kill more people than flames do. If a fire starts while you are sleeping, it will act as a barrier to smoke and give you more time to escape. Have a plan on how you will exit if there is a fire. Get out as quickly as you can, call 911, make sure all people are out. Do not go back in for a pet, let the firefighters do that.
You will have plenty to eat, until you are full, and you will praise the name of the Lord your God, who has worked wonders for you… Joel 2:26
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Tagged Healthy Home Living, Improvement, safety
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