Practical Ways to Protect Your Home From Fires

Our homes are the most important places in the world. For most of us, the place we live is the biggest financial investment we will ever make, but it’s so much more than that. It’s the place where our prized possessions are, and most importantly, where our family and pets are. It’s the safest and most comfortable place in the world- so with all that in mind, it makes sense that we need to look after it! No one wants to fear the worst when it comes to things like accidents or disasters, but as a responsible homeowner, it’s important to have some plans and prevention in place. When it comes to a fire starting, it’s possibly one of the most dangerous and destructive things to happen at home, and so it’s well worth taking the time to think of ways to avoid this from happening. Here are some points to consider when it comes to preventing fires.  

Regular Electrical Checks and Rewiring

One of the most common causes of household fires is actually faulty electrical wiring. Wiring is one of those things that tends to be ‘out of sight, out of mind’ where it’s all hidden away, but over time, wires can become worn out or damaged and increase the risk of short circuits and sparks. That's why it's essential to schedule regular electrical checks and consider rewiring your home if necessary, checks should be done at least once every five to ten years. If you’re buying a new home, it’s so worth getting a survey done and an inspection of the wiring and electricals too so you know exactly what you’re working with. Hire a qualified electrician to inspect your electrical system as this can help identify potential hazards and prevent accidents before they occur. Look out for signs too, these can include flickering lights, buzzing sounds or sockets that feel warm to the touch, as these could indicate underlying issues with your wiring.

Avoiding Dodgy Appliances and Chargers

So much of what we buy now comes from overseas, mass-produced and often not made to good or safe standards. Things like phone chargers and appliances bought from places like Temu or marketplaces on eBay and Amazon might seem like a good deal but could actually put you massively at risk. These products might not meet safety standards or could be prone to overheating, sparking or catching fire, so be cautious of cheaply made or counterfeit products. Spend the extra knowing things are made with essential safety features, it might cost more initially, but it's a worthwhile investment in your home’s safety.

Installing Fire Extinguishers

Having a fire extinguisher ready to grab right away if a fire ever is to break out can make all the difference in preventing it from escalating into a major disaster. Place fire extinguishers in the key areas of your home, such as the kitchen, garage and near any electrical panels. It’s important that you, and people in your household are educated about which extinguisher to use on which kind of fire, for example you must avoid putting water on chip pan or electrical fires or it will make them worse. Fire extinguishers should be really accessible, and you should easily be able to see what kind of extinguisher it is so you know what kind of fire it can be used on.

Checking Smoke Alarm Batteries

Smoke alarms are super effective when it comes to preventing fires, but will only work if they’re properly maintained. So regularly test your smoke alarms to make sure they're in working order, and replace the batteries when they’re needed. A smoke alarm should be placed on each level of the property, for most homes this means upstairs and downstairs but if you live in a three story house dont forget to place them at the top too.

Getting Insured for Peace of Mind

Despite taking all of the necessary precautions, sometimes accidents can still happen, and that's why it's essential to have good home insurance coverage. Make sure yours includes fire protection, so that if a fire were to break out your insurance can help cover the cost of repairs, rebuilding and replacing damaged belongings. Companies like Mammoth Restoration are experts in putting fire damage right, so you’d want to contact a company like this to fix your beloved home- and once the insurance pays out, at least you dont end up out of pocket. It can also be worth making sure your insurance offers cover for somewhere to stay (like a hotel) while any work is being done.

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Basic Measures to Protect Your Home from Fire