Tips To Improve Fire Safety In Your New Home
Moving into your new home is exciting, and you want to make sure you start off this new chapter in life on the right foot. One thing you don't want to overlook is safety. Fire is a danger in any home, whether it's an old farmhouse or a newly built split level in suburbia. The following tips can help you make sure your home is as safe as possible so you can have peace of mind as you settle into your new home and new routines.
Update your fire alarms
Your first task should be to locate all the fire detectors in your new home and test them to make sure they are working properly. At a bare minimum, you should have an alarm on each level of the home, preferably outside of the doors of the bedroom. While checking alarms, it is also vital that you double check the expiration date. This is typically on a sticker on the back of the alarm. Most alarms are good for up to 10 years, but it's important to replace them if the date on the sticker has passed. This ensures the sensors are still working properly in the event of a fire.
Take advantage of professional inspections
Unless the home is newly built, you will be inheriting someone else's electric system. Old fuses, worn out wiring, or a badly installed outlet can all be major fire dangers. An electrical inspection allows you to verify that the fuse box is up to date and that all wiring is in good condition and up to local building and safety codes.
Place escape kits where necessary
You need to have a plan in the event there is a fire, especially if you have upstairs or basement bedrooms. Make sure all windows, particularly in bedrooms, open easily and that screens can be removed. For upstairs rooms, place an escape ladder in each bedroom in an easy to find place, such as just under the bed. Only use basement bedrooms that have egress windows. Otherwise, consider having deep egress window wells installed so those downstairs have an escape route in the event of a fire.
Install extinguishers in fire "hot spots"
Most household fires start in the kitchen, so take extra steps to fireproof this area. Buy fire extinguishers and learn how to use them. Keep extinguishers in the kitchen and any other area where a fire could occur, such as outdoors near your grilling setup or in your garage wood shop. Fire extinguishers need to be replaced periodically, so make a note of their expiration date on a calendar so you can update as needed.
With a little bit of planning and a few updates, your new home can also be a very safe home. For more information, contact a company like Fire Foe Corp.
