Fires are one of the most devastating natural disasters. They can destroy homes and businesses, leaving people without a place to live or work. That’s why it’s so important to be prepared for a fire and to know how to prevent one from happening in the first place. Having a thorough check before the winter season approaches is a good idea because you will be using the heating system and it could cause a fire if not properly cleaned.
According to the National Fire Protection Association, there are approximately 350,000 residential fires in the United States each year. These fires cause an estimated $7 billion in property damage and result in more than 2,500 deaths.
How are most house fires caused?
There are many different ways that house fires can start, HVAC systems may be at fault, as well as candles, lighters, electrical outlets, and more. But did you know that the leading cause of housefires is actually cooking?
Cooking without proper supervision can lead to a fire starting on the stovetop or in the oven. It’s important to always stay in the kitchen when cooking and to keep an eye on the food that is frying, boiling, or broiling.
While there’s no way to completely prevent a fire from happening, there are a number of things you can do to reduce the risk. Here are 11 fire prevention tips every homeowner should know:
1. Keep Your Home Clean and Free of Clutter
A cluttered home is a fire hazard. Not only does it make it difficult to move around, but it also provides fuel for a fire. Be sure to keep your home clean and free of any clutter. With less stuff in your home, there’s less of a chance for a fire to start.
The main areas you’ll want to focus on are the kitchen, living room, and bedrooms. These are the areas where most fires start.
2. Store Flammable Items Carefully
Any items that are flammable should be stored carefully. This includes things like gasoline, cleaners, and chemicals. Be sure to store them in a cool, dry place away from any heat sources and near smoke detectors. If you conduct regular maintenance for every season, you can prevent fires.
3. Use Fire-Safe Materials
When building or remodeling your home, be sure to use fire-safe materials. This includes things like fire-resistant drywall and insulation. Fire-safe materials will help to prevent the spread of fire in the event of a fire. Always keep fire extinguishers in your house.
4. Install Smoke Alarms
Smoke alarms are an important part of any fire safety plan. Be sure to install them on every level of your home and outside all sleeping areas. Smoke alarms are the best way to be alerted of a fire in your home.
These days there are smart smoke alarms available that can be connected to your home’s Wi-Fi network. These alarms can send alerts to your phone or tablet if there’s a fire.
5. Test Your Smoke Alarms Regularly
It’s important to test your smoke alarms regularly to ensure they are working properly. A good rule of thumb is to test them once a month. Many people fail to realize that smoke detectors and smoke alarms have batteries that need to be changed every so often.
Without proper testing, your smoke alarm might not go off in the event of a fire.
6. Develop an Escape Plan
In the event of a fire, you need to have an escape plan. Be sure everyone in your home knows what to do and where to go. Practice your plan regularly. Without a practical escape route, people can often become trapped in a burning building.
7. Stay Low to the Ground in a house fire
If there is smoke in your home, stay low to the ground. This will help you avoid inhaling any harmful fumes. Inhaling harmful fumes can cause serious respiratory problems.
Many deaths are caused by smoke inhalation, not by the actual flames of a fire. The best way to avoid inhaling smoke is to stay low to the ground.
8. Never Leave Candles Unattended
Candles are a common cause of house fires. Never leave them unattended, and be sure to extinguish them before going to bed. Candles are quite beautiful, but they can be very dangerous so always use caution.
9. Overloading Your Outlets Can Cause House fires.
Overloaded outlets are a common cause of house fires. Be sure not to plug too many devices into one outlet. If you need to use an extension cord, be sure it’s the proper size for the number of devices you’re plugging. There can be a risk of electrical fires if you do. Electrical fires are some of the most dangerous and destructive fires that can occur.
10. Keep Your Home in Good Repair
A well-maintained home is a safer home. Be sure to keep your home in good repair, and address any repair needs as soon as possible. Many times it can be something as simple as a loose doorknob that can cause a fire. Your main concern should be anything that could cause sparks or heat which in turn can start a house fire.
11. Have Your Home Inspected Annually
It’s a good idea to have your home inspected by a professional each year. This will help identify any potential fire hazards. The fire hazards may not be obvious to you, but a professional will know what to look for.
What the National Fire Protection Association has to say
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) is the leading authority on fire, electrical, and building safety. They offer a number of resources on their website to help you prevent a fire in your home.
There are a number of things you can do to prevent a fire in your home. Be sure to follow the tips listed above to reduce the risk and make sure maintenance for all seasons. The NFPA also recommends having a working smoke alarm in your home. Smoke alarms are the best way to be alerted of a fire and can help save lives. Learning about HVAC troubleshooting tips can be highly beneficial for every person.
By following these tips, you can help reduce the risk of a fire in your home. Remember, fires can happen at any time, so it’s important to be prepared. Green Street HVAC provides quality HVAC repair and maintenance services in Springfield. We are dedicated to keeping our customers’ homes and businesses safe. Contact us today to schedule a consultation with our team of experts. We are here to help you prevent a fire in your home.
Green Street HVAC is a family-owned and operated HVAC company that has been serving the community for many years. We offer services that include AC Repair, Furnace Repair, AC Installations, HVAC Maintenance, Smart home products, Duct Cleaning aeroseal duct cleaning, duck work repair maintenance, commercial HVAC services, heat pumps services, and others. We have 24/365 emergency service, so don’t get in touch with us.