Reliable Reconstruction Resource Center

While living in California means being aware of the possibility of wildfire, you can take several steps to make sure your home is safe from an accidental home fire.

Fire protection is an important part of your family’s safety. Did you know that fire is one of the leading causes of accidental death in the home, most often affecting children and the elderly? In addition, fires account for over $2 billion in damage to homes each year. Take the following preventive measures to keep your home and family safe from fire.

Fire prevention tactics

Fires can begin anywhere, but there are two areas in your home that pose the biggest fire threat - the kitchen and the garage. You can reduce your risk of fire in these vulnerable places by taking the following precautions:

• Use only UL-listed (Underwriter’s Laboratory) or FM (Factory Mutual) approved appliances and tools.

• Check regularly for frayed or worn power cords or plugs, and replace them immediately.

• Don’t operate appliances, switches or outlets with wet hands.

• Never plug in more appliances than a socket is designed to handle.

• Don’t store flammable items over the stove.

• Turn pot handles inward so children can’t pull them down.

• Keep a fire extinguisher on a wall nearby the stove.

• Keep areas around stoves, refrigerators and dishwashers clean to prevent dust particles from igniting.

• Keep trash and other items away from the furnace or water heater, preferably stored in sealed containers.

• Check heating equipment annually.

• Store gasoline and other flammables in tight metal containers, away from the house - never near heating equipment or a pilot light.

Install smoke detectors

Most deaths from fire occur when people are sleeping. Smoke detectors are an important and effective tool. Many building codes require smoke detectors in homes. If you install battery operated smoke detectors, change the batteries once a year. New Year’s Day is a great time to replace the batteries and start the year knowing you and your family will be safe.

The National Fire Protection Association recommends that you install one smoke detector outside each bedroom, and on all levels of your home. Remember to test all your smoke detectors at least once a month.

Install a monitored fire detection system

A monitored smoke detector not only sounds an audible alarm, but it automatically sends a signal to a monitoring center which can quickly dispatch the fire department. Monitored smoke detectors provide more complete protection, whether you’re home or away.

Keep a fire extinguisher handy

A fire extinguisher can help you control a small fire and prevent further damage. A multi-purpose dry chemical fire extinguisher labeled A-B-C is effective for most types of fires and is a must for every home. Other types of fire extinguishers designed for fighting specific types of fires are especially useful in the following areas of your home:

• In the den or living areas - Type A for use on ordinary combustibles such as paper, cloth, wood, rubber and many plastics.

• In the kitchen or garage - Type B for flammable liquids such as oils, gasoline, kitchen grease, paints and solvents.

• In the basement or workroom - Type C for electrical fires such as wiring, fuse boxes, motors, power tools, appliances and electronics.

Plan your escape route

In the event of a large, uncontrollable fire, your best defense is a quick escape. You should plan an escape route and practice it regularly with your family. An alternate route should also be planned and practiced, in case the main route is blocked by fire.

Make sure even the youngest member of the family knows what to do if they smell smoke or see a fire.

By taking these steps you will do all you can to prevent a fire in your home and the tragedy of loss of life. Fire Prevention is not only possible, it is essential!