Fire safety tips for your home

 

The risk of carbon monoxide poisoning or a home fire increases during the fall and winter months because many people use space heaters or heating equipment to help warm up their homes or specific areas. Though generally considered safe, these heaters could cause injury or illness if they malfunction or tip over. 

For your family's safety and fall home maintenance, here are some fire safety tips for your home you should try this year.

 

Stock up on first aid supplies for fire injuries  

First, looking for first aid supplies or an emergency kit that includes items you'll need if you're injured is wise. Things like burn cream, trauma pads, and non-stick injury dressings are helpful if you experience superficial burns from a fire or burn in your home.

 

Install fire alarms in all rooms.   

You may think having a fire smoke alarm in one or two rooms is sufficient for your home security, but it's best to install a First Alert smoke alarm in every room of your home. You never know where a fire might start, and having these devices in each space could save your life. 

In addition, you must check them frequently to ensure they're still operating correctly. Most smoke detectors have built-in alarms that will alert you (very loudly, in most cases) when the batteries are low and need to be replaced.

 

Usually, smoke detector batteries need to be installed every one to two years. If you take the batteries out of a smoke detector to shut off the alarm, remember to put new ones in as soon as possible. Otherwise, you're likely to fail, leaving your home unprotected. A good tip is always to have extra batteries for any emergency.

 

 

Invest in carbon monoxide detectors  

Various sources can generate carbon monoxide, but it's more common in cold weather when people use gas heaters and other appliances more frequently. Carbon monoxide is odorless and colorless, so it's easy to take you by surprise. In addition, if the concentration of this gas in your home is high enough, poisoning could occur in as little as one hour. 

An excellent safety tip is to have First Alert carbon monoxide alarm detectors placed throughout your home to prevent you and your family from being sick from poisoning. So remember to include one of these devices in your home security list. 

 

Anything that burns charcoal, wood, or oil can cause carbon monoxide poisoning if there is insufficient oxygen in the area to form carbon dioxide.

 

Another common source of poisoning in the winter months is allowing your vehicle to idle in the garage. Even if the door is open, just 10 minutes could allow monoxide to build up to dangerous levels. To avoid this situation, never let your vehicle idle in the garage. Suppose you want to warm it up on a cold day; back it out of your garage before turning it on and allowing it to warm up.

Keep Multiple Fire Extinguishers in Your Home  

Having fire extinguishers is always a good home safety tip, but having multiple fire extinguishers ready when needed is even better. Remember that each fire extinguisher is usually different, varying in the type of extinguishing agent. For example, one for electronic devices differs from one for fires caused by flammable liquids. It's essential to check the specifications when buying fire extinguishers and to place each one in its proper location, such as the kitchen, garage, or on each floor of your home and in every bedroom.

Another great safety tip is keeping a fire extinguisher in your car if your engine ever catches fire.
 

 

Use your fireplace safely  

Spending time outdoors during the cold weather can be a lot of fun when you have a warm fire to keep you nice and cozy. Just remember always to practice home fire safety to avoid fire injuries. For example: 

• Maintain a safe distance from your fire pit so you don't burn yourself or your clothing. 

• Always keep an eye on youngsters and don't allow them to run near burning or cooking fires. 

Keep a first aid kit handy when spending time around the fire pit, just in case something unthinkable happens.

 

 

Keep flashlights throughout your home  

If a fire breaks out at night, your home may be filled with so much smoke that you won't be able to see where you're going. Keep flashlights and extra batteries in each room so they're always available in a fire emergency. 

This safety tip is also helpful in a power outage during a snow storm.

 

 

Visit Max Warehouse for more fire safety products and tips

 

The National Fire Protection Association estimates that over 350,000 home fires are reported annually in the United States. Most people know someone who has lost belongings in a house fire, but many still take a casual approach to fire safety in their homes. Use these safety tips and make a fire prevention and escape plan to keep your family, property, and pets safe.

 

For all your fire safety products and needs, check out our store. We have fire extinguishers, carbon monoxide detectors, smoke detectors, fire escape ladders, and more!