According to the National Fire Protection Agency(NFPA), 2015 saw an increase in residential home fires with over a half million structures affected, causing over ten billion dollars in damage. Only you can take precautions to help keep your family safe through a fire emergency.
TIP 1) Sleep With Doors Closed
According to the NFPA, a closed door may slow the spread of smoke, heat, and fire. There are concerns, however, that houses without interconnected fire alarms, or those without fire alarms inside and outside of each bedroom, could slow the early warning signs of fire. So please review this memo from the NFPA to determine if this is the right decision for your family.
TIP 2) Check Fire Alarms Monthly
According to the USFA half of fire deaths happen between 11 P.M.and 7 A.M. Because these are the hours when most Americans sleep, it makes working fire alarms that much more important. Fire alarms should be placed inside and outside each bedroom, and they should be interconnected. You should also check your fire alarms for proper usage every single month, and change the batteries once or twice a year. (See Figure 3)
TIP 3) Fire Extinguisher Near Kitchen
Over 40%(image 2) of house fires between 2010 and 2014 were caused by kitchen cooking. Please keep a fire extinguisher available when you are cooking in the home.
TIP 4) No Smoking Indoors
According to the NFPA, over 20% of all structure fires are related to smoking indoors. Smoking indoors poses a grave fire risk. You greatly lower your odds of having a fire by not doing it.
TIP 5) Have A Plan – Practice It
Having a fire drill, to prepare in case of fire, is especially important for families with children. You should talk about the different escape options in case a certain route is blocked. Also, decide on a safe meeting place once the house has been exited. Remind everyone, once they have reached safety, stay there, and never re-enter the home.
Mager Enterprises is a full service general construction firm serving Central Indiana. We specialize in water, fire, storm damage repairs for residential customers.