Fire Engineering

How to Have a Secure, Fire Hazard Free Home

Your home is your safe haven. When you are inside your home, you and your family feel safe and secure. It is as if no harm in the world can touch you. However, when thoughts of a fire accident threatening your home get into your mind, you would surely feel alarmed and worried. But the truth is there is not much to worry about. If you are knowledgeable of fire prevention and fire safety equipment, you can live a life free from worries and anxieties. Here are the steps on how to have a secure and fire hazard free home.

Step 1: Identify fire hazards in your home

Check around the house if there are any fire hazards present. Here are some common examples of fire hazards that may be present in your home:

• Matches that are within children’s reach


• Overloaded outlets or extension cords


• Flammable materials near heat or fire sources (curtains close to the gas stove)


• Flammable liquids


• Worn out or frayed electrical cords


• Rubbishes in attic, garage or basement


• Defective electrical appliances


• Cigarettes and ashtrays


• Candles


• Extension cords or electrical wires placed under the carpet

Step 2: Do something about these fire hazards

Once you have identified these fire hazards, the next step is to take action. Remove fire hazards or ensure that they are properly stored. Here are some of the things that you should do to eradicate the fire hazards in your home.

• Place matches out of children’s reach


• Never leave burning candles unattended


• Use large ashtrays since small ashtrays are more dangerous


• Douse cigarettes in water before disposing


• Do not smoke in bed or before sleeping


• Clean the fireplace regularly


• Replace worn or frayed cords, stop overloading sockets, and have defective appliances repaired


• Place heating equipment far from anything that is combustible


• Clean storage areas regularly and remove rubbishes that can start a fire


• Store flammable materials in safe places away from children’s or pet’s reach


• Never leave your cooking unattended

Step 3: Install high quality fire safety equipment in your home

Fire extinguishers, fire blankets, and smoke alarms are just some of the many fire safety devices that you should have in your home to ensure the protection of your family’s welfare against fire accidents.

Step 4: Educate the whole family about fire safety and prevention

It is not enough that your house is fully equipped with fire safety devices or that it is completely free from fire hazards. If your family does not know a thing about fire safety, it is still largely possible for a fire to occur anytime. Make sure that you educate them and make them understand the importance of this matter.

Having a safe home completely immune to fires may not be possible but if you exert much care and effort in removing fire hazards in your home, there would be a very small chance for a fire accident to occur and endanger the life of your beloved family.