According to the latest data from the National Fire Protection Association, more than a quarter of reported fires were home fires. An even more shocking statistic is that four of every five reported fire deaths were caused by residential fires. A fire is one of the worst nightmares for a homeowner. It is a destructive and often deadly disaster that everyone wants to avoid. Our emergency movers have compiled a list of helpful home fire prevention tips and fire safety tips to keep you and your home safe.
Install Smoke Alarms
Smoke alarms are an essential part of basic fire safety. Make sure to install smoke alarms in your home, at least one in every major room. Check these smoke alarms regularly to ensure they are properly working. Many units have testing features conveniently built-in. If your home has a gas heater, be sure to install carbon monoxide alarms as well. Fortunately, modern smoke alarms can also detect carbon monoxide.
Remove Clutter
Decluttering your space is good for a myriad of reasons, one of which is that clutter is a fire hazard. In the case of fire, not only can clutter easily catch on fire, but it can block your escape route. Be sure to remove clutter wherever you can. In particular, make sure you keep hallways and doorways as empty and accessible as possible.
Avoid Messy Electrical Set-Ups
Be smart about your home’s electrical systems. Ground your electrical outlets, avoid overloading electrical circuits, and fix frayed or damaged cords. Don’t use extension cords as permanent sources of power; they should only be a temporary solution. Have your electrical appliances regularly inspected and enlist the help of an electrician if you notice constant light flickering or sparking.
Be Careful With Common Causes of Fire
- Regularly remove lint from the clothing dryer’s air exhaust pipe.
- Store flammable liquids away from heat sources or places with excessive static electricity.
- Don’t smoke cigarettes inside your home.
- Keep children and pets away from stoves, candles, lighters, and matches.
- Never leave your kitchen unattended while cooking; turn off your stoves and oven after cooking.
- Put out candles before going to sleep.
- Have your fireplace regularly inspected; use a large, heavy fireplace screen.
- Keep portable space heaters on a stable surface and away from flammable items.
Create a Fire Escape Plan
Develop a detailed fire escape plan and make sure to communicate it with your family members or roommates. This escape plan should include at least two escape routes from each bedroom. Our Seattle local movers recommend practicing your escape plan by holding fire drills at least once a year. Other fire safety tips you should incorporate into the plan include:
- Check doors for heat before opening
- Stay low to the ground and avoid breathing smoke
- Know where the closest ways out (doors, window, escape ladder, etc.)
- Designate an outside meeting place to avoid having to go back inside
At Established Moving & Storage, we offer fire and flood pack-out and same-day moving. To learn more about our emergency moving services in Seattle, give us a call or contact us.
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