House fires are not uncommon. Keep you and your family happy and healthy this Fire Prevention Month with these six preventative measures.
According to a National Fire Protection Association 2022 report, a home structure fire was reported once every 93 seconds in 2021, home fire deaths occurred once every three hours and eight minutes, and home fire injuries occurred once every 47 minutes. In October, during Fire Prevention Month, many industry experts are encouraging homeowners to be aware of the risks to mitigate the frequency of these tragedies.
“House fires are far too often caused by preventable circumstances within a home,” said Adam Long, president of HomeTeam Inspection Service. “Homeowners should take steps to implement safety practices and get feedback from an expert to best protect themselves, their families and their investment.”
This Fire Prevention Month, commit to practicing fire safety to reduce your risk of a home structure fire.
Be Mindful of Space Heater Use
Space heaters can be incredibly enticing, especially in the cooler months. Fortunately, they can be safe when used correctly! A space heater should be placed on a hard, less- flammable surface like ceramic tile rather than carpet. The heater should not be left
unattended, nor should it be in the way of children or pets.
If possible, homeowners should consider investing in a space heater with an automatic shutoff feature for additional safety. Some heaters will automatically turn off after a given period of time in case they have been forgotten, and others will shut off if tipped over.
Have Working Smoke Alarms
Having up-to-date, working and properly positioned smoke alarms can provide homeowners the heads up they need to prevent smoke from turning into a true fire. Smoke alarms should be tested monthly, and batteries should be replaced annually. If your smoke alarm is 10 or more years old, it is time to have it replaced. Placing the smoke alarm at least 10 feet away from the stove is a great way to prevent false alarms, ensuring all alarms are taken seriously.
Check and Repair Electric Wiring
Frayed or bare wires can easily start fires. Wires are typically insulated in order to keep the heat produced by electric currents contained. However, if a wire is exposed at all, this heat begins to escape and has the potential to start a fire.
Having a home inspection is a great way to get an expert’s feedback on the state of your visual electrical wiring. Inspectors know exactly where to look and how to identify potential dangers, so you can rest assured that all of your wiring is safe.
Close the Bedroom Door Before Bed
“Close before you doze!” is a common phrase among firefighters. Closing the bedroom door before you go to sleep for the night may not prevent a house fire from starting, but it will protect the people and things in the room. If a fire is already started, a closed door provides a bit of a barrier to prevent flames, smoke and heat from engulfing the room entirely.
Clean Dryer Vents
When not properly cared for, dryer vents can collect lint, creating a fire hazard. Home inspectors will typically evaluate the mechanical exhaust system for the clothes dryer, but it is important that homeowners maintain a safe baseline by consistently cleaning lint traps.
Be Mindful of Intentional Fire Within the Home
If a fire is already lit, even the smallest change can turn an everyday practice into a disaster. When cooking with the stove or oven, do not leave food unattended, and double-check that there is nothing near heating elements that could potentially catch on fire.
Homeowners who have fireplaces should exercise caution around them, making sure to use proper screens in front of the fire and appropriate tools to rearrange fuel. A fireplace should never be left unattended or without a screen in place to prevent embers from popping onto the floor.
Similarly, your favorite candle should never be left unattended. Many companies will give guidelines regarding how long candles can be safely burned at once, but it is easy to forget a lit candle or even knock one over. Flameless candles are an easy replacement to increase safety without completely sacrificing candles in the home
