A fire may occur anywhere, and it is critical to always be prepared for the situation. Similarly, you must consider how to avoid one from occurring in the first place. Over 26% of reported fires from 2016 to 2022 occurred in homes. Of course, you can purchase more apparent things like fire extinguishers, smoke alarms, and durable safes to mitigate the effects of this catastrophic event. However, being proactive can also be beneficial. These practices can help prevent fires from starting in your living space.
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- Unplug anything you are not using
Excess electricity flowing through your home appliances is always a possible fire threat. Computers, televisions, gaming systems and other electronic devices utilize power even when turned off. That implies they can always overheat and catch fire. You may reduce your odds of a fire by disconnecting these gadgets while you are not using them, so feel free to consider this. Moreover, this step can reduce your electricity bills.
- Regularly check and clean your chimney
The chimney is mostly overlooked as a potential place that could start a fire in your home. It harbors a substance known as creosote, a highly combustible substance formed when wood and other solid fuels are burned. If the creosote is not regularly removed from the chimney's walls, the accumulation and build-up can become thick and hardened over time, increasing the chances of a fire. Chimney fires are mostly dangerous as they can cause damage to the structure as well as release harmful gases such as carbon monoxide into your home, leading to poor indoor air quality. Consider working with a local chimney sweep contractor to eliminate the accumulated creosote to prevent these issues.
- Never leave a fire unattended
If you are cooking, burning candles or using any other form of flame or high heat, you should always keep an eye on it. When you start preparing anything, you should never leave the stove. If you build a fire in your fireplace, you should also ensure it is not burning out of control. By watching these flames, you may easily determine whether there is a problem. That means you could address the issue swiftly and ensure your and your family's safety. Placing a fire extinguisher and smoke alarms in places with regular fire use will also be beneficial, so feel free to consider this.
- Learn to keep highly flammable items away from heat sources
Flammable materials such as textiles and paper should be kept from extreme heat or flame. When lighting a fireplace, you want to keep your hair and clothes out of the way. While at it, keep the paper stack away from the wax melter. You should also keep a watchful eye out for anything that might turn into an issue.
Your home is your safe space, and protecting it is essential. However, disasters like fire outbreaks can threaten your safety, and many homes have fallen victim to them. Therefore, taking proactive steps to prevent this situation is prudent. Hopefully, these safety measures will prove helpful.
This is a contributed post.
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