Fire. Throughout history it has provided many benefits to human kind. Fire has been used to cook food, provide warmth, and light up the dark. Fire has also been a destructive force, however, at times obliterating homes, commercial buildings and even entire cities. According to a report by the National Fire Protection Association, firefighters responded to an estimated 386,000 home fires in the United States in 2011, which resulted in 3,005 deaths from burn injuries and smoke inhalation. With such an alarming number of residential fires, isn't it time to ensure your home is protected? Below, I will discuss several ways in which you can protect your home and your family from fire:
1. Electrical appliances can cause fires, especially when wiring and fuses are not compatible with your appliances. Check your wiring and fuses to make sure they in good repair and are compatible for use with the appliances in your home. Unplug appliances if you notice a burning smell, and have the appliance inspected immediately.
2. When you go to bed, or any time you leave the house, make sure that all electrical appliances are turned off.
3. If you use portable heaters and/or patio heaters in your home for heat, make sure they are kept away from any flammable items, such as documents, bedding or wooden furniture. When not in use, turn the heater off and unplug it.
4. Candles cause a significant number of house fires each year. Make sure that all candles in your home are placed in a sturdy candle holder and kept clear of any flammable materials in your home.
5. Avoid running wires and cables underneath carpets in your home. Carpets and rugs are made with highly flammable materials.
6. Never leave the stove unattended when preparing meals.
7. Make sure you install smoke alarms in every room of your home, and test them regularly. If the alarm is battery-operated, batteries should be tested and replaced on a regular basis.
8. Have your furnace and chimney inspected yearly.
9. Clear your attic of dust and sawdust, which can spark a fire.
10. Draw up a fire evacuation plan and perform routine drills with your entire family.
11. Educate children not to play with fire, and keep matches, lighters and flammable materials out of the reach of children.
12. Have a professional-grade fire alarm and fire sprinkler system installed in your home.
Preparation is the key to preventing fires and protecting your family when they do occur. With the tips above, you can help ensure your home is protected and your family will know what to do in the event of a fire. Affordable Fire offers residential fire protection equipment, including fire alarms and fire sprinkler systems, to customers in Arizona. Visit http://www.affordablefireaz.com to learn more about the products and services available at Affordable Fire.
1. Electrical appliances can cause fires, especially when wiring and fuses are not compatible with your appliances. Check your wiring and fuses to make sure they in good repair and are compatible for use with the appliances in your home. Unplug appliances if you notice a burning smell, and have the appliance inspected immediately.
2. When you go to bed, or any time you leave the house, make sure that all electrical appliances are turned off.
3. If you use portable heaters and/or patio heaters in your home for heat, make sure they are kept away from any flammable items, such as documents, bedding or wooden furniture. When not in use, turn the heater off and unplug it.
4. Candles cause a significant number of house fires each year. Make sure that all candles in your home are placed in a sturdy candle holder and kept clear of any flammable materials in your home.
5. Avoid running wires and cables underneath carpets in your home. Carpets and rugs are made with highly flammable materials.
6. Never leave the stove unattended when preparing meals.
7. Make sure you install smoke alarms in every room of your home, and test them regularly. If the alarm is battery-operated, batteries should be tested and replaced on a regular basis.
8. Have your furnace and chimney inspected yearly.
9. Clear your attic of dust and sawdust, which can spark a fire.
10. Draw up a fire evacuation plan and perform routine drills with your entire family.
11. Educate children not to play with fire, and keep matches, lighters and flammable materials out of the reach of children.
12. Have a professional-grade fire alarm and fire sprinkler system installed in your home.
Preparation is the key to preventing fires and protecting your family when they do occur. With the tips above, you can help ensure your home is protected and your family will know what to do in the event of a fire. Affordable Fire offers residential fire protection equipment, including fire alarms and fire sprinkler systems, to customers in Arizona. Visit http://www.affordablefireaz.com to learn more about the products and services available at Affordable Fire.
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