A house fire is a tragedy that can cause thousands of pounds in damages or, worse, claim a life. In 2019 alone, a total of 554,269 incidents required the attention of the Fire and Rescue Services (FRS) in England.
This, however, can be prevented by taking safety measures. Here are some ways you can protect your home and your family from a house fire.
Beware of Faulty Wiring
It has been taught to you since you were young that you should not mess with electricity because it is very dangerous and it can kill you. Electricity can also cause house fires.
In fact, faulty wiring is one of the most common causes of residential and commercial fires anywhere in the world.
To protect your property, get Electrical Installation Condition Reports. EICR documents created by electricians and engineers to ensure that a residential or commercial space has been inspected. It ensures that the electrical installation within the building has passed their standards.
After an assessment has been made, your role as a home or building owner is to check all electrical cords are in good shape. If there are cords that are frayed and deteriorating, you need to replace them as soon as possible because they can send sparks into flammable objects and start a fire.
Do Not Take Your Eyes Off of Your Candles
Many people still use candles for relaxation or to illuminate their homes when there is a power outage. It, however, creates a hazard.
Because there is a flame, it can cause a house fire if left unattended. If the candle is beside an open window, for example, a soft breeze can cause a curtain to catch ablaze. A wooden table under a candle that is knocked over can act as firewood.
If you have to use a candle, make sure not to leave it alone, especially if it is near something flammable. A better solution is to replace all open-flame candles in your home with battery-operated ones to illuminate your rooms when there is electricity interruption.
Watch Out for Your Heater
Your heating system is also a suspect. In the winter, you naturally want to warm your home with a space heater which, like an open-flame candle, can cause a house fire if it comes in contact with a flammable item.
So, make sure that you have enough room between your space heater and anything that may catch fire. Experts recommend at least 3 feet of clear space in all directions.
You also need to get your space heater inspected by a professional every once in a while to make sure that everything is working as intended.
No Smoking
Smoking is dangerous not just to your health. One of the leading causes of house fires is lit cigarette butts that are improperly disposed or left unattended.
If you have to smoke, do it outside of your house and far from anything that may combust like furniture, dry grass, firewood, etc. Better yet, do your body a favor by quitting the unhealthy habit.
Although you have followed every safety measure to prevent house fires, it can still happen. In addition to these preventive tips, get a fire extinguisher for your house and create an evacuation plan for your family in case of an accident.
