Indoor Fire Hazards – How to Stay Safe

Indoor fire hazards have reportedly caused 27% of house fires in the last few years. Homeowners can prevent these incidents by adhering to The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) guidelines.  It’s devastating to witness fire and smoke damage accidents caused by negligence and oversight.

You can avoid this fate by preparing a fire escape plan to protect your home and your family.

Here are some fire safety tips that can help minimize risks: 

Indoor Fire Hazards: How to Keep Your Home Safe?

It takes less than two minutes for a fire to spread and destroy everything in its wake. According to the NFPA, cooking, electrical wires and appliances, heating equipment, and lighting equipment as a few of the main causes of fire casualties.

You can prevent house fires by taking these preventive measures:

1.    Kitchen: Adopt Mindful Cooking Habits

Kitchens are the most common source for home fires. Incidents tend to occur when the cooking flame gets in contact with a flammable item. For instance, fire may spread if you place towels, curtains, or dispensers near the stovetop.

In addition, ensure your microwave does not get obstructed by the items mentioned above or any other clutter. Additionally, unplug all electrical appliances when they are not used to prevent a fire caused by an unexpected power surge.

Lastly, suffocate pan fires with a lid instead of splashing water to stop the flames from spreading.

2.    Heating Appliances: Staying Warm & Protected During Winter

Heating equipment such as geysers, space heaters, and portable gas generators can cause house fires in winter. Always keep flammable materials away from your heating appliances. A distance of three feet can be feasible to ensure that the radiating heat doesn’t contact them.

Other fire safety tips are as follows:

• Avoid short circuits by not plugging multiple heating devices into the same outlet.
• Never leave candles and lit fireplaces unattended. You can place a protective metal screen in front of your fireplace to stop embers from escaping.
• Place gas generators in an open space and don’t place them near windows or doors.
• Prevent overheating by unplugging heating appliances whenever possible.

Apart from this, get fireplaces, chimneys, and boilers inspected and maintained once or twice a year. Having a proper maintenance schedule allows you to detect and resolve potential problems before winter arrives.

3.    Electronics & Outlets: Organize Your Supply and Optimize Power Usage

Electronic devices can be an indoor fire hazard if you use them recklessly. Maintain everything from cords, wires, and beauty styling tools to other household appliances properly during and after the operation.

Here are some tips to adhere to:

• Unplug all your electronic devices and switch off outlets when they are not used to avoid fires when the power supply fluctuates.
• Make sure all the wires and cords are untangled to prevent indoor fire hazards.
• Check all electronic devices and wires for wear and tear. Then replace items that look worn out to prevent the unequal distribution of electricity.
• Try plugging devices into independent outlets or using extension cords for unmovable objects.
• Keep hair styling tools and electrical devices clean and well-maintained to prevent fire-causing electrical accidents.

4.    Storage Spaces: Keep Them Safe & Secure

Excessive clutter in indoor storage spaces like a basement and garage can be unsafe for your home. You should adopt practical and cautious storage habits to reduce expected risks.

For example:

• Prevent old newspaper and other flammable items from self-combusting when they are stored in damp and humid places.
• Keep all types of debris or clutter away from your heating system, i.e., furnace, space heaters, portable generators.
• All flammable liquids should be sealed and stored in non-flammable containers. Also, make sure they are not kept close to any heating appliance.

Bonus: Use Fire Safety Products for Maximum Protection

Purchase fire safety products such as fire extinguishers, smoke detectors, and carbon monoxide alarms. Install smoke alarms strategically by placing them in all levels of your house, especially in places where fires are most likely to start. These include the kitchen, basement, and bedrooms. Keeping these alarms in these places will ensure that you get alerted as soon as the fire starts.

Moreover, you should test these products monthly and replace batteries after every six months. These steps ensure that your fire-saving devices are functional during emergencies.

It’s a Wrap

In the end, recognizing indoor fire hazards and implementing fire-proofing strategies can prove advantageous for you. Use our fire safety tips to protect your homes and keep your loved ones safe. Also, refer to NFPA guidelines for further help.

What Should You Do After a Fire?

In case of a fire damage emergency, you can contact 911 Restoration of Bronx to save your home. We offer fire and smoke damage, water damage, mold inspections, boarding emergency services, and other home restoration options.

Call us at (718) 705-8029 to get professional assistance within 45 minutes. Our speedy response and expertise can stack the odds in your favor.