A Practical Guide to Prevent Fire at Home

Fire is a risk in any home. The most common cause of home fires is electrical issues, it makes up 40% of fires and, for most people, it’s impossible to contemplate using a home without electricity.

That is why the risk exists in any home and why it is so important to take steps to prevent fires from happening. You should also invest a little time in creating a home fire escape plan.

Smoke Alarm

It is a legal requirement to have a working smoke alarm fitted to your home, and it’s a life-saver. This is the simplest step you can take. Of course, it won’t prevent a fire from starting but it will alert you and help to give you enough time to get safely out of the building.

Combine this with your escape plan and you can at least survive a fire.

Electrical Inspections

The next step is to have an annual electrical inspection. A qualified electrician in Brisbane will check your wiring to ensure it is safe. They can also check for electrical leakage which can increase the size of your electrical bill as well as increasing the risk of a fire starting if not fixed properly.

Don’t forget the electrical inspection is for your benefit, act on what they find.

Fire defense

Take a few moments to consider where the most likely places are for a fire to start. You can then consider installing fire shutters that can effectively close off an area of your home, containing the fire to one area. This will reduce the damage and give you extra time to get out of the house and contact the emergency services.

If you’re undertaking renovation works consider using fireproof boarding and make sure all electrics are up to code, this will reduce the likelihood of a fire starting.

Fire Equipment

In most cases, fires seem to start at night when you are least prepared. But regardless of the time of day, the fire may be discovered small enough to put out, saving your home in the process.

To do this you’ll need to invest in a fire blanket and a couple of all-purpose fire extinguishers. Make sure you know how to use them before the fire happens, this will make it easier not to panic as the flames build.

But, remember, if the fire is getting large and everyone is out, you’re better off being safely out of your home.

Pay Attention

Falling asleep while smoking or leaving lit candles on are still major causes of house fires. These are simple to avoid, make sure you never leave lit candles unattended and blow them out before bed. You should also make sure cigarettes are put out properly, the safest option is to leave the butt in water before you go to bed.

You can also ask the fire service to visit and inspect your home to make sure you have thought of all the possible risks and taking all the steps possible, they will be happy to help.