Fire Prevention Month is here and it's the best time to look around our homes to check for possible fire hazards. It will be a good practice to regularly survey our premises for materials or conditions that may cause or catch fire.
Time to check spot the common fire hazards at home...and fix them!
Faulty Wiring
Old, brittle, defective, exposed, loose wiring and illegal connections are some samples of faulty wiring which can lead to ground and electrical short-circuit that can immediately start a fire and spread it swiftly. Check the wirings, outlets and connections around your house. If in doubt, have an electrician do an inspection, just to be sure that your home is safe from this danger.
Plugged Appliances
Electrical current still flows to devices or appliances when left plugged to an outlet, even if turned off. Always unplug after use to avoid overheating or overloading which can cause fire. This habit will also save you money from electric bills.
Octopus Connections
This is a common practice among households and is very prone to causing fire. Fix tangled cables and organize appliances and electrical devices to avoid too many plugs using a common outlet or too many extension cords.
Unattended Cooking
Cooking is love, but never leave what you are cooking unattended, especially in open flame cooking. Stay in the kitchen if you are frying, broiling, grilling or boiling. Check it regularly if you are baking, simmering, or roasting (in an oven). If you need to go for a while, turn the stove off.
Kitchen Combustibles
Be aware of combustible items near your lighted stove. Organize your kitchen to keep away from stove anything that can easily catch fire like oils, cloth mittens, wooden utensils, paper and plastic packaging, rags, towels, etcetera. Also, keep you stove and oven always clean and grease free.
LPG Tank Condition
Regularly check your LPG tanks for conditions like corrosion, dents and leaks. Check the hose for cracks and leaks. Make sure that the LPG valve is properly shut off after every use. It is also advisable to use an LPG regulator.
#3 Smoking Hazard
Agree on some house rules with the smokers in your household. Include a "No Smoking" rule inside the house, especially in the bedrooms, and appoint a smoking area outside. Discuss with the smoker the proper discarding of lighted cigarettes and store smoking implements away from the reach of children.
#3 Other Fire Hazards
Open Flames
Provide candle holders for candles you use for prayers and aromas, and make sure that they are totally put out after use. Avoid burning garbage or leaves in your backyard, it will also help protect our environment.
Flammable Materials
Inspect your storage areas (garages, sheds, store rooms, etc.) for flammable materials like paints, petroleum. kerosene, etc. Keep your storage area always clean and cool. Keep candles, matches, lighters, and torches away from children's reach.
Install good and proper fire extinguishers at your home. Learn how to fight fire at its incipient stage using a fire extinguisher. You can contact BRONO to assist you in fire extinguisher use and training. Create an evacuation plan that can get you and your family out of your house in less than two minutes in case of an emergency, and practice it.
