Your Guide to Fire Safety Planning: How to Protect and Prevent Fires in Your Home

Fire departments in the U.S. respond to 355,400 home fires every year. This is why everyone should practice fire safety planning. Continue reading to know how to protect your home from fires.

How to Prevent a Fire

The first aspect of your fire safety plan is to know how to prevent a fire. Here are some tips to keep in mind.

Know the Basics of Fire Safety

The best way to prevent a fire is to know what common mistakes can cause a fire.

Leaving the stove and oven on are good examples. Running the dishwasher, laundry machine, dryer, and other appliances when you’re gone or asleep are other overlooked hazards.

You’ll also want to teach your children good fire prevention techniques.

This includes being careful around electrical outlets, not playing with lighters, not turning on the stove or oven, and not using fire-causing hobby items such as fireworks.

Install Fire Alarms and Smoke Detectors

If your home doesn’t already have a fire alarm and/or smoke detector, install these items. These will inform you when there’s a fire or too much smoke, helping you take action.

You should also look for additional products, including smoke and fire curtains.

Use Fire Risk Products Outside

Little items such as cigarettes are major fire hazards. Only use these items while you’re outside. You should also use caution when using other items such as a grill.

Always Keep a Fire Extinguisher Handy

You should always know where your fire extinguisher is in case a fire breaks out. You should also store the fire extinguisher near a flammable area, such as the fireplace. It’s also not a bad idea to keep a few fire extinguishers in your house.

What to Do If There’s a Fire

No one likes to think of the possibility of a house fire. But it’s important to know what to do in case a fire breaks out.

Extinguish the Fire

If the fire is small enough, extinguish it before it grows bigger. Use a fire extinguisher, throw water on the fire, and do anything else you can to kill the flames.

Escape

If you can’t control the fire, escape immediately. Find the nearest door or window you can exit and call for help.

Avoid entering other rooms in case the fires spread to that room. Always feel the doorknob before entering a room. Avoid taking the elevator — always use stairs.

Stop, Drop, and Roll

Were you ever taught to stop, drop, and roll? This is the best way to maneuver through a house fire. You’ll breathe in fewer smoke particles and you have a smaller risk of getting ignited.

Stop what you’re doing, drop to the ground, and roll to safety. Avoid walking and even running.

Safe Yourself First and Then Others

Once you reach safety, you can help others. Run to other parts of the house and open doors and windows. Call out to loved ones and ensure they know how to escape.

If you have pets, rescue them if they’re in sight. Otherwise, wait for a fire marshal to rescue them.

Fire Safety Planning: Don’t Panic and Stay Safe

A home fire can happen more easily than you think. This is why fire safety planning is necessary.

If you’re trying to find a new home, continue searching our website!

Previous post:
Roof Hail Damage: How to Spot It and What to Do About It

Next post:
Keeping Your Carpet Clean: The Top Carpet Maintenance Tips to Follow