According to research the number one cause of death within homes and buildings is a fire. Normally one half of the fire deaths take place in places which are devoid of smoke alarms. Also residential fires have an increased risk during the winter months when people use their fire place or heaters. Normally victims succumb due to the poisonous gas rather than from their burns.
It should also be kept in mind that despite the fire alarm ringing there are children and teens who sleep through the alarm. This is why it’s important to teach all members in the family to scape in case there is a fire in the home.
The following is a check list from the experts at practicing fire safety in Brisbane. Keeping these in mind can actually prevent fires and in case there is a fire help save lives:
- Smoke alarms should be placed strategically. These should be placed in kitchens, in bedrooms and near the fire places ad stoves as well. The alarms should be placed on every level of the home.
- The smoke detectors should be checked at least twice a year and the old batteries should be replaced.
- People with hearing impairments should have special kinds of alarms with strobes installed within the home.
- Smoke alarms should be replaced every ten years or so to ensure proper working.
- Also fire extinguishers should be kept near the kitchen and should be checked yearly o ensure that it’s in proper working order. Make sure everyone in the family knows how to use it if required.
- In case of fire caused by cooking, care must be taken to put a lid on top of it to prevent the fire from spreading.
- Children should be aware of the rues of fire safety. They should know that they have to stay away from electrical wiring and not play with electrical appliances or switches.
- Lanterns and other flammable things should be kept out of children’s reach.
- Every family needs to understand family fire drills. Children should also be aware of the fire emergency numbers. Ask everyone to get out first in case of fire and then call for help. The first instinct should be to make one’s self move away from the fire as soon as possible.
- Teac everyone the stop drop and roll drill in case clothes catch fire. This would help douse off the fire immediately.
- Plan a fire escape route with the family. Teach the children to meet outside the home and a specific position when they escape from the fire.
- Keep lighters and cooking tools away from the reach of children and pets
- Avoid smoking in the home. The major reason of fire is often a lightened cigarette which someone forgot to extinguish.
- Furnaces and wiring should be checked on a yearly basis to avoid any mishap.
- Proper care should be taken when handling any gas or electrical heating equipment.
Make sure to keep all the above mentioned safety measures in mind to provide a safe place for your loved ones.