With October fire safety month underway, homeowners should be aware of the statistics regarding fires and how to keep their families safe if a fire does occur. It’s also important to understand electrical safety and how to prevent fires. Today, nearly 75% of all deaths due to fires occur in a home. Despite the innovations available to everyone today, it is more likely someone will die in a house fire today than in 1980. Read through the following to learn how to make a plan and help prevent a fire in the home.
How Fast Can a Fire Burn?
Homeowners in Williamsburg, VA, may be surprised to find out that homes burn faster than they did 40 years ago. This means there is less time for anyone in the home to get to safety. It’s possible the amount of time to get out can be as little as two minutes once the smoke alarms go off. Knowing what to do and having a plan to get everyone out is crucial for keeping everyone in the home safe if there is a fire.
Be Prepared – Plan Your Escape
All homeowners should have a plan for what they will do if there is a fire in the home. It’s crucial to develop the plan with everyone in the home and make sure it’s practiced regularly. There is no time to think when there’s a fire – knowing what to do and how to escape is crucial.
It is crucial to tailor the plan to the household. Those who have disabilities may need extra assistance if there is a fire, and it may be necessary to purchase additional items to help them escape if there is a fire. If it’s not possible to get them out the front door in a fire, are there other ways to escape? All of these need to be considered well before there may be a fire in the home.
There should be plenty of smoke alarms inside the home. It’s a good idea to opt for ones that are interconnected. With these, if a fire is detected anywhere in the home, all of the smoke alarms will sound at once. This reduces the risk of anyone sleeping through the alarm because they’re on the other side of the house.
Each room should have at least two ways to exit. All doors and windows should open and close easily to prevent anyone from being trapped in the room. If one way to exit is blocked, anyone in the room will need an alternative way to get out of the house as fast as possible.
There should be somewhere outside designated as a meeting place. This can be a tree in the front yard, the mailbox, or anywhere else that’s nearby but far enough from the home to be safe if the fire is out of control. If any family members are not at the meeting place, let the fire department know, so a rescue can begin immediately.
Test Smoke Alarms Regularly
Smoke detectors in the home should be tested regularly to ensure they will work if there is a fire. Never turn off the smoke detectors in the kitchen. If they tend to go off while cooking, Newport News, VA, homeowners may want to look into their ventilation system and make sure it’s working correctly. Check with the manufacturer to find out how frequently to replace the smoke alarms or their batteries.
Get Kids Involved in the Planning
Homeowners in Virginia Beach, VA, may want to make sure their family is involved in the planning process. By involving the kids, it’s more likely the kids will understand what to do if there is a fire. Practice the plan regularly to ensure kids know exactly what to do and where to go when they get out of the house. Stress the importance of moving quickly if there is a fire, as this can help get them to safety even if the parents can’t get to them right away.
Know How to Prevent Fires
While fires are unpredictable, there are ways to reduce the chance for a fire to break out. Electrical fires are one of the most common types in a home. Any appliances or fixtures that aren’t working correctly should be repaired immediately. Do not use the appliance or fixture before the electrical repair can be done.
Homeowners who are concerned about their homes can have an electrical inspection done to make sure everything is in good shape. If there are any issues, have them expertly repaired to prevent any potential issues, including a fire. Fires are serious and can lead to severe injuries or death. Homeowners will want to make sure they are prepared if a fire does happen by planning for what to do and how to handle the situation. If you’re concerned about the state of your electrical system, have one of our electricians perform an inspection right away and see what needs to be fixed or upgraded to keep you and your family safe. Call Asbury Electric today at (757) 768-7147 or contact us online to request an inspection and help prevent fires in your home.
