Is Your Home a Fire Hazard?

It can happen within two minutes — first a lick of flame, that spreads as it searches for fuel. The next thing you know, you could have a life-threatening fire on your hands. But many fires can be prevented with these simple precautions by the American Red Cross:

Install and Maintain Smoke Alarms – Smoke alarms double the chance of your family surviving a fire, so it goes without saying that you should have several.

Beware of Common Fire Risks in the Kitchen – Most home fires start in the kitchen during cooking — usually on stovetops —not in the oven. Be sure to stay in the kitchen when cooking, frying, or grilling on your stove top.

Use Home Heating Equipment Safely – Heating equipment, like space heaters, are involved in 1 of every 6 home fires. Furthermore, 1 in every 5 home fire deaths and half of all fires caused by home heating occur between December and February.

Maintain Your Appliances – Especially Dryers – Dryers are responsible for about 9 out of 10 appliance fires.

Inspect & Repair Electronics and Outlets – All those appliance and electronic cords have to plug in somewhere, so your electrical outlets should be next on your home inspection list.

Don’t Neglect Basements, Backyards and Other Storage Areas – Your garage, basement and yard can present hazards as well — in fact, they have the potential to be even more dangerous.

Practice Your Escape Plan – Despite your best efforts, something may go unexpectedly wrong, so you and your family should have a plan for what to do in case of emergency.

The author of this content cannot be liable for any use or misuse of the contents. This is a guideline and is meant for information only.