Fire safety: A step towards a safer home

To help protect your family in the event of a home fire, there are several safety tips and steps that you can take. Testing your smoke alarms regularly and replacing them every 10 years help protect your family and home. But there are several safety tips and steps you can take to further help prevent a fire before it happens. Here are three to consider:
Clear your cooking space
With hot ovens and stovetops, some of which even contain open flames, it’s not surprising that cooking equipment is the leading cause of accidental home fires. It’s important to be aware of your cooking area before, during, and after food preparation.
Make sure that anything flammable, such as dish towels, pot holders or food containers are moved away from hot surfaces or flames, and that all cooking utensils, like pots, pans, spoons or ladles, are removed from ovens before preheating. Also, take special care and read cooking directions carefully when using flammable ingredients or equipment, such as oils or deep fryers.
Understand your electrical system
Although there are several ways to recognise potential risks of an electrical fire in your home, most homeowners are not aware of the signs or what to look for. For example, keep an eye out for discoloured or warm outlets, which are signs of an electrical failure or malfunction and a potential electrical fire. Other signs of electrical issues are flickering or dimming of lights, frequent issues with blowing fuses, or smelling a burning or rubbery odour from appliances. Other often overlooked electrical fire safety tips include using extension cords for temporary needs only, never running cords under rugs or pinched beneath furniture, and to not overload electrical outlets. Though convenient, these common mistakes can result in serious fire hazards.
Purchase and install safety products
In the chance a fire does occur in your home, safety equipment such as smoke detectors and fire extinguishers can mean the
difference between life and death, but homeowners should also install devices that can help to prevent fires. -Courtesy of BPT

Adopt habits that could save your lives

• Do not overload your sockets as it may lead to the melting of the wires resulting in an explosion.
• If anyone in your family smokes, you should ensure that there are enough ashtrays around the house. You should also pay close attention to stubbing out the cigarettes and disposing of them.
• Check that all electrical points are switched off before you head out or go to sleep.
• Do not leave your cooking unattended.
• Remember to switch off the stove when it is not in use and check again to be sure.
• Do not leave young children alone in the kitchen while preparing food.
• Do not leave match sticks and other flammable items lying around.
• Ensure that your house is equipped with at least one fire-fighting device.
• Never place your portable heaters close to fabrics, papers, bedding, clothes or any stuff that catches fire.
• Using candles as a decorative item is very popular lately and so is candle related fire. Make it a point to never leave a candle unattended.
• A very important fire safety tip is that if your clothes catch fire, drop to the ground and roll over till the flames go off.
• Cover your face to protect your face and lungs.
• If you detect any unusual smell from any of the electronic devices, unplug it at once. Check for any damage in the electrical cords. Use proper sized fuses and circuit breakers as they play a key role in fire safety.
• In case of fire you should get out of the house as fast as you can. For this you should plan before hand so that every member of your family knows what to do if there is a fire. Do not use elevators.
• If you encounter smoke, keep low as the air just above the ground would be much cleaner and saves you from suffocation.

- Courtesy of Artipot