Essential Fire Safety Tips!
My wife and I lost our home to a fire when we were first married and it was one of the hardest things we have gone through. That experience taught me that simple precautions can make the difference between a close call and a tragedy. I wish we could go back and simply check our breakers and make sure that we didn't have plugs overloaded- simple precautions could have saved our pets and our home. We learned the hard way but you don't have to!
What happened for us? We had a lamp plugged in in my wife's office but it wasn't ALL the way plugged in. It was also in an overloaded outlet (lamp, computer, speakers). Because it had slipped out it arced out and caught the carpet on fire and we lost our home, our best puppy friend (boxer "Clay") and our bearded dragon "Bruce". It was catastrophic for us... becuase of a plug and a $20 lamp. We also lived in an older home with older electrical box so it was a perfect storm . It was something that could have been 100% prevented.
Today, I'm sharing the fire safety measures that I believe every home needs.
Year-Round Safety Essentials
Smart Smoke Detector Placement
New homes have code that requires this, but older homes may not! Fairhope sure does have it's fair share of older homes. Simply moving your smoke detectors to the right spots dramatically improves their effectiveness. Install them on ceilings at least 4 inches away from walls, or high on walls 4-12 inches from the ceiling. Add one outside each sleeping area and on every level of your home. Test them monthly - it takes 60 seconds and could save your life. Change the batteries regularly!
Dryer Vent Maintenance: The Hidden Danger in Your Laundry Room
According to the U.S. Fire Administration, 2,900 home dryer fires are reported each year, causing an estimated $35 million in property damage. Even more shocking: 34% of these fires are caused by failure to clean dryer vents. That's about 1,000 fires each year that could have been prevented with simple maintenance.
Why Dryer Fires Happen:
- Lint builds up in vents, reducing airflow
- Reduced airflow causes overheating
- Lint is highly flammable
- Most fires start in the vent or duct
Kitchen Safety Station (this is so important to teach children and all have a plan!)
- Create a dedicated safety spot in your kitchen with:
- Fire extinguisher rated for grease fires
- Heat-resistant gloves
- Clear access to shut-off valves
- List of emergency numbers
The Essential Home Safety Kit
- Every home should have a fire safety kit including:
- ABC-rated fire extinguishers on each floor
- Emergency flashlights
- Basic first aid supplies
Holiday Fire Safety - A Critical Time
The holiday season brings additional fire risks that need special attention:
Christmas Tree Safety
- Water live trees daily - a dry tree can ignite in seconds
- Keep trees at least 3 feet from heat sources
- Check all light strands for frayed wires
- Turn off tree lights when leaving or sleeping
Holiday Lighting
- Don't overload outlets or power strips (no matter what season it is!)
- Use proper outdoor-rated extensions for exterior lights
- Inspect all light strings yearly
Holiday Cooking Safety
- Never leave cooking unattended
- Keep a metal lid nearby for grease fires
- Clear counters of decorations near cooking areas
- Test smoke detectors before holiday cooking
Small Changes That Matter
From my personal experience, these simple habits save lives:
- Create and practice a family escape plan
- Keep bedroom doors closed while sleeping
- Clear clutter from escape routes
- Install outlet covers on unused outlets
- Keep a flashlight by every bed
- Don't overload outlets
- Make sure your plugs are all the way in the wall, not slipping out ( electricty will arc out and can catch carpet and walls on fire quickly)
#FireSafety #HomeSafety #HomeImprovement #HandymanTips #HolidaySafety
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