According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), as reported by Yahoo Finance, about 24% of fires in 2022 happened in residential homes.
Cooking and heating equipment significantly led to these fires.
Home fires are unpredictable.
They happen when least expected.
That’s why it’s always important to have the right fire safety essentials in place.
Fire safety isn’t just about reacting to emergencies.
It’s about preparing your home to prevent disaster before it strikes.
Protect your home and your family with these fire safety tips.
Have Proper Fire Safety Equipment
Fires can spread quickly, hindering you from reacting on time.
The right equipment will detect, control, and extinguish a fire before it becomes a dangerous blaze.
Having proper fire safety equipment provides peace of mind, knowing that your home is prepared for emergencies.
Consider buying and installing these options in your home:
- Smoke detectors and fire alarms
- Emergency lighting
- Fire sprinklers
- Fire escape ladders
- Fire extinguishers
- Fire hoses
- Emergency signage
- Fire blankets
Ensure that you install your fire safety equipment in strategic locations.
Place them in areas like:
- Kitchens
- Hallways and corridors
- Garages
- Near exits
- Bedrooms
- Storage areas
Place your equipment within easy-reach areas.
This allows for immediate action, preventing property damage and saving lives.
Inspect and maintain your fire safety equipment regularly to prevent failure.
For a fire extinguisher, check the pressure gauge to see if it’s undercharged or overcharged.
Other inspection and maintenance tips include:
- Checking and replacing your smoke detector’s batteries
- Keeping your fire extinguisher’s safety pin intact
- Unfolding and checking a fire blanket for tears or damage
- Tightening a fire escape ladder’s loose parts
- Checking for blockage or corrosion in a fire sprinkler
- Replacing old or severely damaged equipment
Have a maintenance schedule to keep your equipment in optimal condition.
Don’t forget to train your household members on how to use fire safety equipment.
Create an Emergency Evacuation Plan
An emergency evacuation plan outlines how you and your family can safely escape your home immediately after a fire outbreak.
It ensures that everyone knows what to do and where to go. It outlines things like:
- Escape and exit routes
- Assembly points – where to gather after evacuation
- How to react quickly and safely in a fire emergency
- Evacuation procedures
Consider these tips when creating a home fire emergency evacuation plan:
- Planning for everyone
- Involving your children in planning
- Finding two ways out in each room
- Checking your smoke alarms
- Having a backup plan
- Reviewing the plan regularly
Regularly Assessing Your Home for Fire Risks
Regular assessments enable early detection of home fires.
They allow you to create a better fire safety plan.
During assessments, you may identify various hidden risks, such as:
- Overloaded power strips
- Dirt buildup in stoves and ovens
- Blocked air vents
- Cluttered kitchens
- Lint screens and dryers
- Outdated wiring
Assessments contribute to fire safety equipment checks.
You get to confirm that the escape routes are clear for faster evacuation.
Check out these tips for assessing your home for fire risks:
- Testing your fire safety equipment
- Reviewing cooking and heating safety
- Checking for flammable materials like clutter
- Inspecting electrical outlets and cords
- Maintaining fireplaces
Undergoing Fire Safety Training
Fire safety training will teach you modern fire prevention strategies.
You’ll learn how to identify potential fire hazards and mitigate them.
Undergoing fire safety training will help you understand fire behavior.
You’ll know how home fires spread and how smoke, heat, and toxic gasses can affect you and your family.
Panicking during a fire outbreak leads to confusion, hindering you from taking the right steps.
This training teaches proper emergency response.
You’ll learn the importance of staying calm and taking the proper steps, like:
- Using a fire extinguisher correctly
- Alerting emergency services
- Evacuating your family safely
- First aid for fire-related injuries
Staying calm minimizes the risks of casualties.
The training promotes preparedness and confidence.
It’ll also help your family members understand their roles and how to help each other in a fire emergency.
This training will help you understand and comply with the NFPA Code.
It’s a way to stay fire-compliant and avoid legal consequences like hefty fines and penalties.
Adopting Fire-Resistant Materials
Fire-resistant materials minimize the risk of fire outbreaks by withstanding high temperatures.
They also help slow the spread of the fire, allowing for timely evacuations.
The slow progress of the fire allows for timely response by emergency services.
This can help reduce the extent of fire damage in your home.
Some materials absorb heat and resist burning. This reduces fire intensity, making extinguishing easier.
Consider adopting these materials in your home for enhanced fire safety:
- Fire-resistant drywall – gypsum board
- Non-flammable siding materials like brick, stone, or fiber cement
- Fire-rated glass
- Fire-retardant treated wood
- Fire-resistant insulation, like mineral wool and fiberglass
These materials produce less smoke and toxic fumes during fire outbreaks.
This improves visibility, allowing for safer evacuations.
Installing Surge Protectors
A surge protector diverts excess electrical voltage from appliances.
It prevents overheating and the risk of electrical fires in the home.
Surge protectors also absorb excess current.
Lightning strikes can cause power surges, increasing the risk of fire outbreaks in residential and commercial properties.
A surge protector will guard against lightning strikes near your home.
Install a surge protector if you notice:
- Frequent resets or flickering of devices
- Burning smell in your house
- Frayed wires and loose connections
When choosing a surge protector, check its joule rating.
A higher rating means better energy absorption and increased fire safety.
Choose a surge protector with a lower clamping voltage for faster response to surges.
Fire Safety Essentials: The Must-Have Tools for Every Home
Fire safety is a necessity – not just a precaution.
Equipping your home with the right fire safety essentials can prevent small sparks from becoming devastating disasters.
But keeping your fire safety equipment in peak condition is just as important as owning it.
Certizona Fire & Safety has over 30 years of experience and is a top-rated fire protection service company in Phoenix, Arizona.
We provide testing, inspection, and repair services for commercial and industrial fire safety equipment, including fire sprinkler systems, special hazards systems, emergency lighting, fire extinguishers, residential smoke detectors, fire alarms, and fire hydrants.
Call us today to take the first step toward a fire-safe home.
Looking for a Residential Fire Safety Company?
Trust Certizona Fire & Safety for expert fire protection and safety services throughout Arizona. Our experienced team ensures your home is equipped with reliable fire safety equipment, properly inspected and maintained for your peace of mind.
Call (623) 227-2092 or request an online quote today!
