As a homeowner, there are a lot of different aspects to focus on to ensure that your home is compliant and above all else, safe for the people who live in it as well as the neighbours who live around it. Fire safety is one of these aspects and should be a priority in every home.
For many people, the number one way to keep their homes safe encompasses the fire alarm system installation that local electricians and fire experts recommend. In addition to this type of system, it’s essential to point out that there are several other steps you can take to enhance your home’s fire prevention measures.
Prevention is Always Better
In a country where bushfires are a regular occurrence, some homes are more at risk of fire damage than others. With this in mind, our experts have compiled a list of steps you can take to keep your home as safe as possible and to reduce the likelihood of an external or internal fire.
- Install a Fire Alarm System
Every home should have a fire alarm system. Unlike regular smoke detectors, a fire alarm system adds an extra layer of protection. The components that get installed depend largely on the type of system you choose.
For the most part, this includes a sprinkler system and SMART features that can notify local emergency services. It’s also recommended to speak to your local installers about the systems on offer and what aspects can be customised to your home’s unique needs.
- Add Smoke Alarms Everywhere
While you’re deciding on the type of fire alarm system you want to install, always have smoke alarms installed throughout your home. Many people opt to only install these in supposed high-risk areas such as kitchens.
Our experts recommend installing these everywhere in your home, as this will give your family the best chance of becoming aware of a fire in the earliest stages. In addition to installing smoke alarms everywhere in your home, it’s also necessary to test them regularly and be sure to change batteries at least twice a year.
- Invest in Fire Extinguishers
Homeowners need to add fire extinguishers to their fire safety arsenal. These should be placed in easily accessible locations such as the kitchen. Ensure that everyone in the household knows where to find them and how to use them safely. Be sure to test them every few months and have them filled when necessary.
- Inspect Your Home for Electrical Hazards
Every home is filled with potential fire hazards. The most common being electrical cords. Be sure to do routine inspections of all your electrical cords and cables and replace damaged ones immediately.
Don’t overload outlets or extension cables and unplug items such as chargers and kettles when they’re not in use. If wall outlets are hot to the touch, switch them off and call an electrician to check that there are no faulty wires.
- Cook with Care
Despite being a whole lot of delicious fun, cooking can also cause a fire. Ensure that everyone who cooks in your home sticks to the basic rules of cooking safety. The most significant of these include the following:
- Don’t leave the kitchen unattended when there’s food on the stove or inside an electrical appliance such as a pressure cooker, frying pan, or air fryer.
- Keep flammable materials away from the stove while it’s on. An example of this is not putting a dishcloth, oven mitt, or plastic utensils on the corner of the stove when not in use.
- Switch the stove off when it’s not in use.
- Keep Fire Hazards Out of Reach
It’s essential to keep fire hazards out of reach of children. This includes items such as lighters, matches, candles and anything else that can create a fire. Cleaning and other flammable chemicals should also be stored out of reach.
Keep in mind that while some chemicals may seem harmless, they can become a recipe for a fire if they are accidentally mixed or spilt near cables or appliances.
- Educate Your Kids
Every home should stay updated on fire safety tips. This means talking to your children about what causes fire, the dangers of it and how it can be prevented. Your children should also know how to get out of the house in the event of a fire.
If you live in an area prone to bushfires, be sure to educate your children about this aspect of fire safety as well. They should also know how to use a mobile device to call the local emergency services once they are outside. Choose a neighbour for the children to run to in case of emergency.
Final Thoughts
There are many aspects to ensuring fire safety in your home. Taking the necessary precautions will ensure that you reduce the risk around your home. Teaching your children about fire prevention and what to do in case of an emergency will go a long way to giving you the peace of mind that your home and loved ones are as safe as possible.