In a perfect world, we would all live in fireproof homes and work environments with sprinklers retrofitted everywhere possible. The unfortunate reality is that fires still break out, often when least expected, and can take advantage of the smallest cracks and crevices to spread quickly. Therefore, every home needs to be prepared for a fire emergency. An emergency plan will help keep you and your family safe during a fire and could save your life. A fire emergency plan includes an exit strategy from your home, an emergency contact, and an emergency kit. If you’re reading this article during the holiday season, there’s a good chance that you or someone you know has just started a new job or has recently moved into a new home. Whether it’s your first home or fifth apartment, this article provides several tips on how you can stay safe during the winter holidays by reducing the risk of fire in your residential and workspaces. Read on to learn more.
Install Fire Sprinklers
First and foremost, check if the building you live in or work in has fire sprinklers installed. If so, congratulations! If not, consider installing your sprinkler system. It’s estimated that fire sprinklers reduce the severity of fire by 95% and can reduce the risk of death from fire by 72%. Although fire sprinklers are one of the most effective ways to prevent fires from spreading and causing severe damage, the majority of American commercial buildings are not equipped with sprinkler systems. Only 30% of commercial buildings have sprinkler systems installed, and only about 15% of U.S. homes have sprinklers. The most common reasons for not installing sprinkler systems are the high installation cost and the belief that they are not necessary. While it is true that sprinkler systems are more expensive than other types of fire protection systems, they are also the most effective way to prevent fires from spreading.
Check Your Smoke Detectors
If you have them in your home, check to see if your smoke detectors are still operational. If they are not, replace them with new smoke detectors that are properly placed within your home. Be sure to check the batteries regularly to ensure that they are fully operational. You can also purchase 9-volt battery-operated smoke detectors, so you never have to worry about replacing the batteries again! Likewise, if you work in a high-rise building, be sure to check to see if your building has working smoke detectors. If not, ask your building manager or landlord if they are willing to install them throughout the building. If they are not, try to persuade them to do so by showing them how cost-effective they are to install!
No Combustible Furniture in Bedrooms
When it comes to fire prevention in your home, one of the most common fires that break out is a result of a burning piece of furniture. Reduce the chances of this happening by not having any furniture that could potentially catch fire in your bedroom. This includes wooden beds, wooden headboards, and wooden couches. Although you may like the look of these items in your bedroom, they are incredibly flammable and can quickly turn a small fire into a full-blown inferno if not carefully monitored. If you must have wooden furniture in your bedroom, be sure to place it at least three feet from the wall. If a wooden piece accidentally catches fire, the wall can be used as a barrier to prevent the fire from spreading to other pieces of furniture.
Install Residential Fire Doors
If you live in a large apartment building with several entrances, consider installing fire doors at the bottom of your apartment’s doorways. Residential fire doors can be purchased at most home improvement stores and can be installed in minutes. Fire doors prevent the spread of fire between buildings, which can cause devastating damage if left unchecked. If a fire breaks out in one apartment and begins to spread to the next, a fire door can help to contain the damage. When shopping for residential fire doors, make sure they comply with local building codes and are rated as UL-approved. If you work in a large office building, be sure to check to see if your building has residential fire doors. If not, ask your building manager or landlord if they are willing to install them throughout the building. If they are not, try to persuade them to do so by showing them how cost-effective they are to install!
Check Your Electrical System
Since electricity is one of the leading causes of residential fires, be sure to check your electrical system for any potential issues. Although this may sound like a daunting task, you can learn how to perform an electrical inspection in your home with a quick online search! While you’re at it, be sure to check the electrical cords and plugs of any new appliances you have brought into your home recently, such as a new vacuum cleaner or refrigerator. New appliances can sometimes come with faulty or improperly installed plugs or electrical cords that can pose a serious fire risk if not replaced immediately. If you work in an office building, be sure to check the electrical system as well. Electrical issues can often go unnoticed until they cause a fire. If you notice any red flags while performing an electrical inspection, speak with your building manager or landlord to ensure the issue is addressed as soon as possible.
Install Residential Fire Safes
If you have irreplaceable documents, pictures, or mementos that you don’t want to risk losing in a fire, consider installing residential fire safes in your home. Fire safes are designed to withstand high temperatures and can help to protect your belongings from being destroyed in the event of a fire. When shopping for fire safes, make sure that they comply with UL-959 compliance and have a Fire Endurance Rating of at least 90 minutes. Residential fire safes are available in both electronic and non-electronic versions and generally cost between $50 and $300, depending on size. If you work in an office building, be sure to check to see if your building has residential fire safes. If not, ask your building manager or landlord if they are willing to install them throughout the building. If they are not, try to persuade them to do so by showing them how cost-effective they are to install.
Protect Windows with Slip-On Flashing
Many people don’t know that the single biggest cause of residential fires is heat escaping through windows. If you live in a frigid climate or are planning on having a large party or event at your home during the winter, you may want to consider protecting your windows from losing heat by installing slip-on flashing. This inexpensive product is designed to be easy to install and can help to prevent heat from escaping through your windows and into the outside. If you work in an office building, be sure to check to see if your building’s windows are protected from heat loss. If not, ask your building manager or landlord if they are willing to install these products throughout the building. If they are not, try to persuade them to do so by showing them how cost-effective they are to install.
Conclusion
As you can see, there are many things that you can do to prevent fires from occurring in your home. By following these tips, you can rest assured knowing that you have done all that you can to protect yourself and your family from fire. Keep in mind that fire can break out at any time of the year, so it’s important to make fire safety tips for holidays and practice them regularly. You can make a plan based on the season you’re in. During the summer, you may want to leave windows open to let the breeze cool the house. In the winter, you may want to invest in a programmable thermostat to keep the heat at a constant level, rather than rising and falling with the outside temperature. Additionally, you may want to make sure there is a first aid kit in your home and a phone near every bed in case of an emergency.
