The National Fire Protection Association reports an average of over 300,000 house fires per year. Small mistakes can lead to serious fire risks. Here are 4 tips for home fire safety that will help protect your home and family.
Maintain Smoke Alarms for Home Fire Safety
The most basic safety devices are smoke alarms. It is not enough to simply have smoke detectors in the home, they should also be tested monthly to make sure they are operational. A minor issue like dust on the detector can impact their effectiveness. Every month, press the test button and wipe off the devices. If you are missing smoke alarms on any level of your home, including the attic and basement, install them in those places.
Prevent Dryer Fires
One common cause of house fires is the clothes dryer. A buildup of lint in the dryer filter can ignite when it comes into contact with high heat. Preventing this disaster isn’t difficult. Simply clean the lint trap after every load of laundry. Once a year, have the dryer vent cleaned out. Run the dryer only when you’re at home so that’s it’s never left unattended.
Outline an Escape Plan for Home Fire Safety
No one ever expects a house fire, but when everyone knows what to do in this event, they have a better chance of escaping safely. Make a fire escape plan with your family. If you have multiple levels in your home, buy window ladders for each room of the upper levels. Designate a meeting place for your family to gather once everyone has escaped the house. Practice your escape plan so that everyone knows how to exit using the ladders.
Be Safe with Extension Cords
Overloading outlets and attaching several extension cords together can be a fire hazard. Also, extension cords and other power cords that are in poor condition pose a fire risk. If the insulative covering on the wire is worn away, it’s possible for the cord to spark and start a fire. Inspect all electrical cords and don’t connect too many to one outlet.
Appalachian Inspection Services offers home inspections to Western North Carolina. If you’re buying or selling a home, contact us to request our services.