Homeowners and renters alike want to keep their possessions nice and they want to have them safe from theft or fire damage. The best way to protect these items as well as loved ones from fire damage is to be proactive and practice fire prevention. It does not take a great deal of time to go through the home and take some preventative measures.
- Chimney – The first thing that should be checked and kept well maintained is the chimney if it is used to heat the home. Any breaks or clogs in the chimney can cause downdrafts, which can start fires. Clogs can also cause chimney fires that can spread to the rest of the home if it is not caught in time.
- Smoke Detectors – Every year the smoke detectors’ batteries should be checked to make sure they are not dead. It is also important to make sure they are in working order even though the batteries are new. A non-working smoke detector can be the difference between quick action on a fire and losing everything.
- Fire Extinguisher – No home should be without a working fire extinguisher to keep small fires from spreading. Many times small kitchen fires that could have been contained with a fire extinguisher end up taking out the entire house. Even if you have a fire extinguisher, make sure it is in good working order.
Home fire prevention is the best way to ensure your family stays safe and your possessions are not destroyed or damaged beyond repair. Many times fires can be contained without calling the fire department when the extinguisher is in good working order and the smoke detector works. Do not take risks when it is so easy to ensure that everyone and everything is protected with just a small amount of prevention.