Fire is always a threat and there are a few things that you can do to reduce the risk of fire in the home, which we look into in this short article. There are many ways a fire can start; it might be electrical, or you forgot about the meal you were preparing on the stove, or burning embers shooting out of the living room fire. The list is long and we offer a few ways to make your home safer with regard to fire.
- Install smoke alarms – Contact your local electrician in Leichhardt who would be happy to supply and install a few smoke alarms in the right locations. One in the kitchen, one in the hall, one at the top of the landing and units in each of the bedrooms. The smoke alarms are battery-powered and the electrician tests each one upon installation and makes a note of the first service.
- Fire extinguishers – One on the kitchen wall and one in the garage would suffice and make sure you watch a video showing you how to deploy the device. The units have to be inspected at regular intervals and the electrician records this on a small sticker on the side of the unit. Don’t overlook the servicing, as an extinguisher that doesn’t work isn’t going to be much use if your house is on fire.
- Fire blanket – These are typically used in the kitchen, where electrical appliances are found; if a fire starts on the stove, follow the instructions, pull out the blanket and deploy it as shown. If you love to work on your car or bike, a fire blanket in the garage is an excellent idea. If you would like to know the average cost of a 4-bedroom house in Melbourne, click here.
- Check the electrical system – This can be an annual inspection, which would reveal any worn cables or loose connections; your local electrician would be happy to carry out an inspection, which brings you peace of mind.
- Be careful with candles – We all love scented candles and placing the dish in a bowl of water prevents any accidents. Of course, open flame is dangerous and when lighting a candle, do check that it is securely located, or simply don’t use them.
- Inspect all gas & electric appliances/systems – Keyrenter, a property management in Fayetteville AR, suggests that heaters, central heating systems, gas or electric cookers and microwave ovens should all be inspected annually. Old appliances are a major cause of domestic fires, so make sure you keep an eye on them.
- Kitchen signage – Put up a small sign saying ‘never leave the kitchen unattended when cooking’, which will remind family members not to leave the kitchen with food on the stove. Make sure there is a first aid kit and the kitchen is the place to keep it.
One should never be complacent when it comes to fire risk and all of the above fire prevention methods are worth considering. Be safe and you shouldn’t experience any issues.