Fire safety is not something any family can ignore. House fire deaths rose by 13% in 2022, reaching a 14-year high. Experts believe that this is linked to modern home building materials and smaller windows, which make it harder for residents to escape. Once a fire breaks out, you could have less than two minutes to escape due to toxic smoke. And if a fire breaks out at night when everyone is asleep, it’s often deadly.
Here are some important fire safety tips all families should be aware of.
Fit Smoke Alarms
Smoke alarms save lives. A working smoke alarm will emit a loud, high-pitched noise when it detects smoke. The noise is so visceral you can’t ignore it, which is the whole point. Having smoke alarms fitted will give you a valuable early warning if a fire breaks out while you sleep; it could be enough time to get everyone out before the smoke gets too thick and deadly.
Fit smoke alarms upstairs and downstairs. Check the batteries regularly and replace them if necessary.
Along with smoke alarms, having professional Fire Watch Guards can add another layer of safety. They provide constant monitoring, quickly spotting fire risks and responding before small problems become serious. This added protection works hand in hand with smoke alarms to keep your home and family safe.
Don’t Use Candles
Candles are a common cause of house fires. People light candles and then forget about them. The candle burns down and starts smoldering, and before you know it, the whole room is alight.
If you do want to light a candle or tealight, perhaps for a romantic evening, make sure they are placed well out of reach of your children. Put them on a fire-proof surface, and well away from soft furnishings.
As the experts will confirm, repairing fire damage is a long and complex process, so don’t take an unnecessary risk with a cheap candle.
Place Fireguards Over Fires
Open fires look pretty, but they are a huge hazard for kids. All it takes is for an ember to jump out of the hearth and someone is burned, or the rug sets on fire. Always place a fire guard over a fireplace to keep the kids away and prevent sparks from jumping out. It’s also wise to use a fire guard over heaters and gas or electric fires.
They get very hot when switched on and younger children are not always aware of the dangers.
Keep a Fire Blanket in the Kitchen
Kitchen fires typically go from zero to inferno very quickly. Burning the dinner is more than an inconvenience. If you are not careful, cremating a few sausages in a frying pan could cause a fire. Hot oil fires can’t be extinguished with water – this will only make the fire worse. Keep a fire blanket in the kitchen for emergencies, so you can immediately put a fire out without needing to wet a tea towel.
Plan a Fire Escape Route
Have a fire escape route planned and make sure the whole family knows what to do if a fire does break out. If a bedroom overlooks a garage, this is a good place to climb out without causing a major injury. Plan your route for a nighttime escape, as this is when your family is most vulnerable.
Finally, keep your home tidy, as excessive clutter is a hazard in the event of a fire.
I did not know that deaths by fire had risen so much last year. I have a fire extinguisher handy, but do not have a fire blanket. I shall look into it.