Preventing Fire in your Home

Every year, hundreds of fires in Ireland break out due to household appliances, according to fire brigade stats. Also, about 500 fires happen because of cooking and heating in homes. A fire could lead to devastating damages, but knowing how to prevent such accidents could lessen the risk of fire in your home.

Home fires can spread rapidly. Therefore, every second count. So, map out a plan you and your family can get out of the house within two minutes once the smoke alarm calls out. Teach your children to dial 911 and familiarize them with how a smoke alarm sounds like and what should they do when they hear one.

Conducting a fire alarm routine check will take only a few minutes but lets you ensure that the fire alarm system is working properly. Here are a few things you should do along with fire alarm maintenance:

• Check your home, room by room, for fire dangers, and take measures to correct them.
   
• Get at least one smoke alarm for each floor in the home and check it regularly.
   
• Test every smoke alarm monthly via the test button. When a smoke alarm needs battery replacement, it chirps. Also, always keep a spare one at hand.
   
• See that you install a smoke alarm on every floor, including the basement, kitchen, and every room your family sleeps in. In the kitchen, mount them at least 10 feet away from the cooking appliance to minimize from false alarm. In the basement, mount them near the bottom step on the ceiling.
   
• Have a fire escape plan in place and practice it regularly with your family.
   
• Never smoke in bed. Always use deep ashtrays. If you do, make sure to stub them out properly with water, be it cigars or cigarettes before throwing in the bin. Also, be extra vigilant if you are feeling drowsing or have been drinking.
   
• Keep lighters, matches, and candles out of children’s reach.

Electric malfunctions are the main cause of home fires in Ireland. Unplug those electrical appliances that are not in use. To make any electrical changes, hire a professional electrician. Check the electrical cords often and ensure that they do not run under carpets or across doorways.
Limit the number of plugs you put in an electrical outlet. Apart from tripping a breaker, overloading an electrical outlet could begin a fire, as well. 35% of candle fires start in bedrooms, and 10% of them occur after people fall asleep. Never leave a candle unattended. Blow them out before you sleep. Take extra care during the holidays, as December is the busiest month for candle fires. Keep them away from ground level, accidental knocks, and out of reach of children.
 

• Use a spark guard when you are dealing with open fire.
   
• Ensure that escape routes are completely clear.
   
• Shut all doors close to limit the impact of fire or smoke.

Follow the three P’s - Prevent, Plan, and Practice.

If you have any questions about your fire safety or security or would like us to carry out a health check on your property. Please give us a call on 1800 938 881. Power Right is the right choice for all your fire protection needs with a wide range of products and services.