5 Simple Fire Safety Tips for Your Home & Business 

Did you know that almost 400,000 structural fires occur in the United States every year? The tragic loss of life, burn injuries, and structural damage can take a major toll on families and businesses. Sadly, more than 3,000 Americans perish due to structural fires that could have been avoided. Are you practicing fire safety in your workplace or home regularly?

Fire specialists at the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) estimate that it can take a mere 30 seconds for a small flame to turn into a major blaze. Given that information, there are some simple steps that every family and workplace can take to avoid fires, as well as prepare in the case a fire does occur.

#1 Install & Maintain Smoke Detectors 

Most homes and businesses are required by state law to have smoke and carbon monoxide detectors in certain locations such as outside kitchens, on every floor, and in every bedroom. Unfortunately, the NFPA reports that almost 3 of every 5 home fire deaths occurred in homes with no smoke alarms or no working smoke alarms.

To prevent becoming a statistic of fire damage or even worse, death, we suggest checking the batteries and ensuring that your smoke and CO monitors are properly working at least twice a year. 

#2 Install Fire Extinguishers and Fire Ladders 

Every home should have a fire extinguisher on every level including an easily accessible one in the kitchen. In addition to having the extinguishers, owners should make it a practice of knowing how to properly use it in the case of an emergency. It is better to have read and reviewed the instructions well before an event occurs. In the case of a kitchen fire or other location, your adrenaline may make it hard to concentrate and follow even the simplest directions on the side of the extinguisher. 

In addition to having the tools to put out a fire, you should also consider investing in fire ladders to escape the smoke and flames. If your home or business is more than one story tall, you will want a way to escape in case all of the other exits are blocked. Many ladder options are currently available that can be kept in a bedroom or closet.

#3 Practice Kitchen Safety 

According to the NFPA, cooking is the leading cause of residential fires. Knowing this, there are several things you can do in this room in particular to practice fire safety. 

• Never leave the stove unattended. 
• Keep combustible material away from the stove or cooktop. 
• Keep children away from the oven while it is on. 
• Clean grease from the oven right after each meal. Built up grease can cause a fire to ignite quickly. 
• Never wear loose fitting clothes near the oven as they could catch on fire easily. 
• Keep a fire extinguisher near the stove. 

#4 Be Wary of Open Flames 

While candles are a favorite of many homeowners, be aware that children and pets could easily cause them to tip over or ignite a fire. Never leave an open flame unattended. Make sure it is on a level, solid table away from curtains or anything that could catch fire. 

#5 Check Your Electrical Outlets

If your lights often blink on and off or the switch plate feels warm to the touch, you may have an electrical issue. Faulty wiring is another leading cause of house fires in the United States. If you suspect that your wires may be old or fraying contact a master electrician to inspect your home and avoid a possible electrical fire. 

For more tips to keep your home safe check out the American Red Cross Fire Safety Resource.