Basic Home Fire Safety Considerations That Everyone Should Know
There has plenty of news coverage regarding the terrible bush fires that grip the country every summer. But, it’s often easy to forget that fires can start at home. In fact, in excess of fifty people die each year in Australia from house fires, the majority of these deaths are preventable by implementing a few basic home fire safety considerations.
Electrical Inspection
One of the most common causes of house fires is bad electrics. A corroded wire, one that has been eaten by a rodent, or even a dodgy appliance, all these things can create sparks that start fires.
Once the fire gets hold it can quickly tear through your home and destroy it. The question is simply whether you will get out or not.
Having an annual electrical inspection will help to identify any issues with your wiring system and get them resolved before they start a fire.
Of course, you should also be aware of issues throughout the year and get them looked at.
Protecting Areas
It’s a good idea to invest in fire shutters and fire curtains. These can be used to trap a fire in one section of your home. It won’t stop the fire from happening but it will contain it, giving you and your family time to get out.
Remember, once you’re out, stay out. It’s not just the heat of the fire that can kill you, smoke in your lungs can also be deadly.
Protecting the areas buys you time to get out, not time to be a hero.
Smoke Alarm
All the protection in the world will not benefit you if you are not aware a fire is happening. Having a smoke alarm fitted is a legal requirement. You need to make sure there is an alarm in your home and that it works, test it regularly to be sure that it is working properly.
The smoke alarm will be your first warning of an issue. When you hear it get everyone out fast!
Fire Extinguishers
If you’re faced with a large blaze the priority is to get everyone out safely However, if the fire is still relatively small when you discover it, you may be able to put it out. That’s why you need a fire extinguisher available in your home.
More importantly, you need to know how to use it.
You should always consider your own safety when tackling a fire, if you’re in danger get out and let the professionals take over.
Stop, Drop & Roll
If your clothes catch fire they can quickly cause serious burns to your body. You, and your family members, should know to “stop, drop, and roll”. This is exactly what you do to smother the fire on your clothes.
The Escape Route
If you haven’t already got an escape route planned for every room in the house then you should do one today. It’s surprising how easy it is to panic when your home is full of smoke. Remembering the plan and to stay low can help to ensure all the family members get out safely.
