Top Five Tips for Practicing Fire Safety in Your Home

February 25, 2010

Each year, more Americans die in home fires than from all natural disasters combined. While this is a grim statistic, it may be an eye opener in terms of the importance of fire safety in your home. Some of the best fire prevention tips are outlined below.

1. Prevent kitchen fires.

Kitchen fires are the leading cause of fires and fire-related injuries in the home. Be sure to follow these rules in the kitchen:

Never leave cooking food unattended.

Do not disable the smoke alarm in your kitchen while you're cooking.

Keep the stovetop area clear of flammable materials like potholders or paper towels.

Create a kid-free zone three feet around the stove. Kids and pets should steer clear of this area.

Never try to put out a grease fire with water or a fire extinguisher. Instead, turn off the burner, put on an oven mitt, and use baking soda or a lid to smother the fire.

2. Have working smoke alarms throughout your home.

Having properly working smoke alarms in your home can cut your risk of dying in a fire in half. Here are some helpful tips for smoke alarms:

Install smoke alarms on every level of your home, especially in bedrooms.

Because smoke rises, alarms should be placed high on walls, or on ceilings, and kept away from windows.

Test smoke alarms monthly.

Change the batteries at least once a year. Try to pick an easy-to-remember day like New Years, daylight savings time, or your birthday.

3. Fire doors can protect your home in a fire.

Installing fire-resistant doors can greatly reduce the damage, to property and people, in case of a fire. Fire doors create a barrier against fire, preventing the typical rapid-spread effect of a home fire, and possibly saving much of your home from destruction. Consider installing fire doors especially if you live in a high-risk area for wild fires.

5. Have a family plan in case of a home fire.

Despite the best preventative efforts, home fires do happen. Make sure your family, especially young children in the home, is prepared for an emergency. Having a family plan will increase your security if the worst does happen.

With these tips, you can rest easier knowing you're preventing home fires.