A Quick Fire Safety Checklist: Identify The Fire Hazards In Your Home

When it comes to people’s homes, there are many things that need to be maintained and inspected year-round. Though a lot of maintenance is required, there are some aspects that need more attention than others. Fire home inspections are particularly imperative because a fire is devastating and can ruin homes and families, if special care to detail is ignored or forgotten. So, in the name of home inspections, here are a few questions to incorporate into your home checklist.

First, it is always a great idea to keep local emergency numbers displayed clearly by all telephones in your home. So, ask yourself: is your local emergency phone number clearly displayed on or directly near each phone in your home? Though it seems simple and maybe even unnecessary, when emergencies occur, sometimes it is difficult for people to think clearly, and something like having the emergency number posted nearby has the potential to save lives. Next also consider the entrance to your home. Is your house number clearly displayed so it can be easily spotted from the street so that emergency vehicles can find you right away? Many people like to put vines and flowers all around their mailboxes; this is pretty, but do not let the plants become so overgrown that people are unable to see the number clearly.

Two of the most important questions are: Do you have smoke detectors in your home? And: how often do you test them? Smoke detectors need to be maintained; otherwise, they will not work, and they do not simply come to life when there is a fire… the batteries must be tested and replaced regularly.

Do you practice fire evacuation safety in your home on a regular basis? And, if you have children, do you talk to your babysitter about the fire escape plan? As silly as it seems, the saying "practice makes perfect" really is true in this case. If you plan and practice your escape routes, you have a better chance of getting out of your home if a fire occurs. Though commercial buildings are often required to have a fire extinguisher and/or fire sprinklers, people can own fire extinguishers for their homes. Do you own a fire extinguisher? And if so, does everyone in the home know how to operate it? When purchasing fire extinguishers, go ahead and read the directions, and familiarize yourself with its use.

And finally, you keep your matches and lighters out of reach of your children? Unfortunately, thousands of home fires are started by children each year when they play with matches. Children are curious, and they want to know and understand things…fire is certainly fascinating to kids. Do yourself (and your children) a favor by simply removing the temptation of matches and lighters. When considering the hazards in your home, is it always a good idea to keep eye on your home, and be aware of what is going on at all times: what needs repairing and upkeep, and what does not. If you ever have any questions about fire safety and your home, contact your local fire department (the non-emergency number!), and they will be happy to answer any questions you might have. Remember, it is always better to be safe than sorry!