15 Ways to Prevent Fire Outbreak in Your House

 

 

Winter has arrived, bringing with it bitterly cold temperatures across the country. The American Red Cross is responding to a large number of winter home fires as a result of the cold days and nights – more than 5,000 in one month alone.

People have their heaters on at this time of year, and many use space heaters and other sources to keep their homes warm. Home heating is the second leading cause of fires in the United States, and the Red Cross has guidelines for preventing a fire in one's home. First Alert HOME1 Rechargeable Standard Home Fire Extinguisher 

The Red Cross recommends the following five steps to reduce the risk of heating-related fires (more information on home fire safety can be found here):

1. Space is required for all heaters. Keep children, pets, and items that can burn at least three feet away from heating equipment (paper, matches, bedding, furniture, clothing, carpets, and rugs).
2. If you must use a space heater, place it on a level, hard, and nonflammable surface (such as a ceramic tile floor), away from rugs, carpets, and bedding and drapes. Never use an extension cord to connect power cords to outlets.
3. Never leave a fire unattended in the fireplace, and keep the fire and embers contained with a glass or metal fire screen.
4. To heat your home, never use a stove or oven.
5. When you leave the room or go to bed, turn off any portable space heaters.

IN THE EVENT OF A POWER OUTAGE

1. Do not touch any downed electrical power lines. Keep your family and pets at a safe distance. Your utility company should be notified of any downed lines.
2. In the dark, instead of candles, use flashlights.
3. Reduce unnecessary travel, particularly by car. There will be no traffic lights, and the roads will be congested.
4. If you're going to use a generator, make sure you're aware of the dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning and how to use them safely.
5. Refrigerator and freezer doors should be kept shut as much as possible. Foods will stay cold for about 4 hours in an unopened refrigerator. If the door is kept closed, a full freezer will keep the temperature for about 48 hours (24 hours if it is half full). Refrigerated perishable foods should be used first. To be safe to eat, perishables should be kept at or below 40 degrees Fahrenheit (4 degrees Celsius). Then you can use frozen food.
6. After you've finished with the food from the refrigerator and freezer, use your non-perishable foods and staples.
7. Prepare a cooler with ice for your freezer items if the power outage looks like it will last longer than a day.
8. Keep food in a cool, dry place and cover it at all times.
9. All unnecessary electrical equipment, including sensitive electronics, should be turned off and unplugged.
10. When the power went out, turn off or disconnect any appliances, equipment, or electronics you were using. Surges or spikes in power can damage the equipment when the power is restored.
11. Leave one light on to let you know when the power is restored.

HOW DO YOU PROTECT YOURSELF, YOUR FAMILY, AND YOUR HOME?

There are two things that everyone can do to improve their chances of surviving and protecting their home in the event of a fire.

Make a fire escape plan and practice it. Every room should have two exits. Choose a location to meet outside. At least twice a year, practice the plan with your entire family. DaveyFirefighter 5 High-Pressure Twin-Impeller Fire Pump w/GX200 6.5hp Recoil Start Engine

Smoke alarms should be installed and maintained. Install smoke alarms on every level of your home, including bedrooms both inside and outside. Once a month, test smoke alarms. If your model requires it, change the batteries at least once a year.