Fire Safety Tips for Your Abode

Every homeowner wants to protect his or her residence and family members from the dangers of an unexpected blaze. Considering the number of deaths that occur each year due tohousehold fires, equipping your house against a fire is probably the best way to get rid of the fear.

If you want to make your home fireproof, here are some tips that can help you out:

In the Kitchen

No matter what the time of year it may be, you cook and bake in your kitchen on a daily basis, and being hasty in this environment can lead to a residential fire. When cooking, you should never:

- Leave the stove on while you are absent from the kitchen. If you sleepy or in need of rest, turn off the burner and take a nap so that you can resume cooking again once you are well rested and alert.

- Overcook your food, as it can also lead to fires. When you are cooking on the stove, set a timer to alert you regarding the right time when you have to take the food off the stove. When you are using your oven, microwave or even other cooking appliance that does not have a timer, set one inyour cell phone, tablet or alarm clock so that you will knowwhen to go and check on your food.

- Keep cloth rags need a stove. All kinds of fabrics, wood, paper, and plastic are flammable. Keeping these items neara flame or a hot and active stove can result in their catching fire, which may spread out across your residence.

While Lighting Candles

Candles can bring a romantic ambiance and a soft glow to your home, but they can also be deadly, especially when a burningcandle is left unattended, and causes other objects to burn in its proximity. As a rule:

- Always blow out the candles in your home before you go to sleep at night or every time you leave your home.

- Place your candles in an area where all other objects are at a foot’s distance from it.

- Never keep your candles on the surface without using a candleholder and ensure that the holder is firmly placed on a stable, straight, and smooth surface.

- Do not use candles in a home where oxygen tanks are available.

- Prefer to use flashlights in cases of power outages in place of candles.

When Heating Your Home

During the winter months, most homes utilize heating systems tokeep their interiors warm and cozy. However, using portableheaters can be a fire hazard if care is not taken. Use the following tips to secure your home:

- Do not place any item that may burn or melt within three feet of your heater.Do not operate these heaters for an extended period, such as leaving them activated all day or all night.

- Keep your children and pets away from the heater.

- Follow the instruction given on the heater to the letter to ensure that it is operated with safety.

Aside from all of these tips, install fire alarms in your home and maintain them twice a year for additional safety. You can also devise an escape route to exit your home in an emergency and purchase a fire extinguisher to take care of small fires on your own.

For more information consult with your security advisor(s) or your local fire department.