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Fire Safety Tips for Your Home: Essential Precautions for Protection

OKC has miles and miles of brush and pasture within city limits. This means that wildfires can happen anytime of the year. But this article will focus on the accidents that can occur in your home. Fire safety is essential for every home, but we at Justice Homes want to make sure your family remains as safe as possible. A small spark or neglected appliance can quickly become a dangerous blaze, so practicing good fire safety habits can protect you, your loved ones, and your property. Here are some suggestions we have found helpful to aid in fire safety that will help you create a safe environment in your Justice home.

Install and Test Smoke Alarms Regularly

Smoke alarms are your first line of defense in case of a fire. Here’s how to ensure they’re working effectively:

• Place Smoke Alarms Strategically: Install alarms in every bedroom, outside each sleeping area, and on every level of your home, including basements.
• Test Monthly: Test each smoke alarm once a month by pressing the test button.
• Change Batteries: Replace batteries annually, or if you hear a low-battery warning chirp.
• Replace Alarms Every 10 Years: The sensors in smoke alarms can degrade over time, so it’s essential to replace each unit every decade.

Have a Fire Extinguisher on Hand

Fire extinguishers are crucial for containing small fires before they spread. Here’s what you need to know:

• Keep Them Accessible: Store fire extinguishers in easily accessible places, like the kitchen, garage, and near fireplaces.
• Choose the Right Type: Multipurpose (Class ABC) extinguishers are effective against most types of home fires.
• Learn How to Use It: Follow the PASS method—Pull the pin, Aim low, Squeeze the handle, and Sweep from side to side.
• Check Expiration: Fire extinguishers have a lifespan; check the gauge monthly to ensure the pressure is in the green.

Create a Family Escape Plan

Hope for the best, plan for the worst. An escape plan is crucial to ensure every family member knows how to exit the house quickly and safely in case of a fire:

• Identify Exits: Map out two ways to exit each room, usually a door and a window.
• Set a Meeting Spot: Choose a location outside the home where everyone will gather after escaping.
• Practice: Conduct a fire drill at least twice a year to make sure everyone is familiar with the plan.
• Teach ‘Stop, Drop, and Roll’: Educate family members, especially children, on how to react if their clothing catches fire.

Be Careful with Electrical Outlets and Cords

Electrical issues are a common cause of home fires. Practicing caution around outlets and cords can prevent potential hazards:

• Avoid Overloading Circuits: Plugging too many devices into one outlet can cause overheating.
• Check Cords Regularly: Look for frayed wires or damaged cords, and replace them immediately if they show signs of wear.
• Use Power Strips with Surge Protection: Choose power strips with a surge protector to prevent overheating.

Practice Safe Cooking Habits

This tip is especially important this time of year. The kitchen is a frequent source of fires, especially during busy meal preparation times. Here’s how to stay safe:

• Stay in the Kitchen While Cooking: Never leave a stovetop unattended, especially when frying.
• Keep Flammable Items Away from the Stove: Ensure towels, curtains, and paper items are kept away from heat sources.
• Use a Timer: Set a timer to remind you that food is on the stove or in the oven.
• Turn Pot Handles Inward: Keep pot handles facing the center of the stove to prevent accidental tipping.

Limit Open Flame Hazards

Open flames from candles, fireplaces, and even grills can create serious risks. These steps can help reduce open flame hazards:

• Use Flameless Candles: Battery-operated candles create a similar ambiance without fire risk.
• Place Fireplaces and Grills Wisely: Use a fireplace screen to prevent embers from escaping, and always keep grills at least 10 feet from the house.
• Extinguish All Flames: Make sure all flames are fully extinguished before leaving a room or going to bed.

We have to worry about wildfires outside, but by implementing these fire safety tips you can drastically reduce the chances of a fire occurring in your Justice home. Practicing prevention and preparing for emergencies, you create a safer environment for yourself and your family.

By Justice Homes Staff 11-1-2024