Content

• Steps
• Part 1 of 7: Checking the House
• Part 2 of 7: Verifying the Safe Use of Interior Home Facilities
• Part 3 of 7: Safety in the Kitchen
• Part 4 of 7: Precautions in Daily Life
• Part 5 of 7: Outdoor Safety
• Part 6 of 7: Animal Safety
• Part 7 of 7: Installing Fire Protection Systems and Learning Fire Safety Rules
• Tips
• Warnings

Thousands of people die every year in fires, not to mention valuables and memories. In this article, we will talk about what you can do to reduce the likelihood of a fire and not become part of these statistics.

Steps

Part 1 of 7: Checking the House

1. 1 Check your home. For greater reliability, you can even hire someone from a professional who would inspect the condition of electrical wiring, gas equipment, electric heaters, air conditioners. You can also perform a self-check by following the steps below.
2. 2 Check the condition of the electrical system at home. Put on your rubber flip flops and grab a wooden stick or similar device to avoid electric shock. Remove all jewelry and metal accessories.
   • Check that the outlets are properly grounded. Many modern devices require grounding, but sometimes people, unfortunately, ignore this need. A professional electrician should replace existing wiring to create ground wiring and connect to ground.
   • Check the attic and other secluded areas for wiring damaged by pests. Some old wires are insulated with a material that can be eaten by insects or other animals. Rodents love to chew on the thermoplastic insulation of modern cables.
   • Check the electrical panel. Check the operation of the circuit breakers and fuses.
   • Pay attention to flashing lights or voltage surges. The reason for this can be both external factors and malfunctions in the wiring system.
   • Pay attention to the frequent tripping of circuit breakers and fuses. This indicates congestion on your network or other serious wiring problems.
   • Check the connection points of individual machines to the network, especially if they are located in an outdoor electrical panel, for traces of corrosion, melting (traces of soot or a burnt smell), poor insulation or bare contacts, worn or damaged insulation.
   • Check the grounding cable. An interruption in a building's grounding system can result in both electric shock and fire. Check for loose bolts, fittings and other fasteners, and signs of corrosion.
   • Check the wiring connections carefully if they are not copper. If the aluminum wiring is correctly routed and securely fastened at the joints, it is not dangerous in itself. However, when there are copper wires in the connections, an electrolytic reaction can occur, resulting in an increase in resistance at the connection and the generation of excess heat. If possible, it is best to treat the aluminum junctions with an antioxidant compound to reduce the risk of short circuits.
3. 3 Check the gas supply system. It is necessary to check the system for loose fittings, gas leaking taps. Also, there should be no debris or combustible materials nearby.
   • Check the draft on gas water heaters, boilers and water heaters.
   • Check the ignition systems and warning lights (if any) on this equipment, as well as any safety devices that may be incorrectly installed, and remove accumulated dust around them.
   • If you smell gas, call the emergency gas service for a thorough check for leaks in the system.
4. 4 Check the air conditioning and heating systems in your home. These systems use motors and pneumatic equipment that require periodic maintenance.
   • Clean the indoor units of the air conditioners and replace the air filters (do this regularly). This will prevent the indoor unit motor from overloading and will also save energy and money. Never do not use extension cords to connect window air conditioners!
   • Lubricate belt drives, motor bearings and other components as needed.
   • Clean the resistance coils or stoves before the start of the heating season, as the accumulation of debris on them can lead to damage at the most inopportune moment.
   • Hear how the system works. Squeaks, rumbles, knocks may indicate that some parts are loose or that the bearings are jammed.
   • If you have an ammeter, you can check the amperage in the heating coils to make sure they are in good working order. Increased amperage indicates an abnormal resistance level. In an electrical circuit, it is resistance that causes heat and, as a result, fire.

Part 2 of 7: Verifying the Safe Use of Interior Home Facilities

1. 1 Check household appliances.
   • Keep the stove and oven clean, and be especially careful not to accumulate grease.
   • Check the hoods, regularly clean their filters, and make sure that birds do not have the opportunity to get into the ventilation ducts from the street, otherwise they will build nests in them or otherwise block the free flow of air.
   • Check the condition of the power cords of your appliances. They must not be damaged, and if any, they must be repaired or replaced with new ones.
   • If you have an electric tumble dryer, keep its dust extractors and ventilation system clean. Some dryers with internal duct systems can become clogged and require servicing, so if the dryer is not performing well, check it. Dust and other dirt that collects near the heating coils of dryers is very dangerous. Stay close when the dryer is running. In the presence of such devices, it is advisable to install a fire alarm and buy a fire extinguisher. Unplug the dryer if you need to distract yourself. You can turn it back on when you return.
2. 2 Be very careful with heaters.
   • Keep portable heaters a safe distance (at least one meter) from flammable objects such as curtains or a sofa.
   • Do not place heaters where they will obstruct the passage.
   • The use of extension cords for heaters is not recommended. The only exception can be small heaters with low power, but it is still better to read the manufacturer's instructions for this device before connecting it through an extension cord. To be on the safe side, just don't use extension cords.
   • Do not place heaters on chairs, tables, or other surfaces from which they may fall. Replace old heaters with new ones with automatic shutdown system in the event of a rollover.
   • Do not cover the lamps with any cloth. Buy a lamp with a lower wattage, or turn off the lamp when no light is needed.
3. 3 Never use extension cords for air conditioners. An overheated wire is the same as an out-of-control heater.
4. 4 Take proper care of your fireplace.
   • Check the fireplace insert for cracks, damaged metal sheets and other hazards.
   • Use protective glass doors or metal mesh to protect yourself and your loved ones from the smoldering ash.
   • Use dried wood to prevent creosote from building up in the chimney. Remember that some trees (for example, cedar) "shoot" strongly during burning, so they should not be used in an open fireplace.
   • Remove ash and unburned logs from the fireplace only after it has completely gone out. Collect ash in a metal bucket (not a plastic one).
   • Check the chimney and clean it at least once a year.
5. 5 Never store flammable liquids near fire sources.
   • Store gasoline, thinners, and other flammable liquids and materials in safe containers, preferably outside your home.
   • Do not store flammable liquids in a garage or utility room with operating gas equipment. Store them outdoors or in a designated building.
6. 6 Be very careful in situations where an extension cord is used for a long time. Often, legs, furniture and other things damage its cable, which can lead to a fire. Festive garlands can be connected through extension cords for weeks, so for these purposes it is better to purchase a better and more reliable extension cord.

Part 3 of 7: Safety in the Kitchen

1. 1 Stay in the kitchen while cooking on the stove. If you need to leave even for a minute, turn off all cooking zones. You can turn them on when you return. Do not leave kitchen utensils unattended while cooking to prevent a fire.
   • If cooking in oil, keep a lid or metal tray nearby so that if a flame develops, shut off and extinguish the oxygen from the fire. Do not move the fire pan or try to extinguish it with water. The water will immediately heat up and can seriously burn yours, and the oil can splash and the fire spread further.
2. 2 Do not cook while under the influence of alcohol or drugs or when tired. In this case, it is better to eat something ready-made and go to bed. You will be able to cook your food when you are normal.
3. 3 Never leave dish towels, potholders or rags on the stove. Do not hang towels where they could catch fire or fall on the stove.

Part 4 of 7: Precautions in Daily Life

1. 1 Do not sit or lie down while smoking. Smoke while standing to avoid accidentally falling asleep. Are you really tired? Put out your cigarette well in an ashtray or underwater in the sink and go to bed. Do not smoke in bed - you can fall asleep and the cigarette may fall on the carpet and cause a fire. Are you cleaning your ashtray? First, fill it with water first, then scrape off the cigarette butts and throw it in a trash can outside.
2. 2 Do not dry clothes near fire. If possible, dry your clothes near a radiator or outdoors.
3. 3 Be careful with candles, oil lamps, and other decorative lights. Cover the flame with a protective metal mesh to prevent accidental blowing or spilling into the flame, and to keep children and animals from coming into contact with the fire. Extinguish the flame if you leave the room even for a minute - when you return, you can light the candles again.
4. 4 Be careful with garlands and Christmas trees. Real Christmas trees become highly flammable when dry, and an old, damaged or poor-quality garland on a dry tree can start a fire. A fire from a tree can destroy a room and a house in a matter of minutes. You can watch a video with similar fires - it's amazing how quickly a fire from a tree can destroy not only a room, but an entire house.
5. 5 When using matches, simmer them in water. Invisible flames or excessive heat can ignite the waste bin.
6. 6 Handle mobile phone chargers with care. Unplug the charger when not in use.
7. 7 Always unplug your hair straighteners after using them. Do not just turn off the device, but unplug the plug.
8. 8 Close interior doors before going to bed. While closed doors will muffle sounds from your children, pets, or alarm systems, they will help prevent smoke and heat from spreading around your home in the event of a fire, and your room will not catch fire when closed. The door will take the brunt of the blow from the outside. Remember: when you go to bed, close the door.

Part 5 of 7: Outdoor Safety

1. 1 Do not dump freshly cut grass near your home. Grass that dries up emits heat and can accidentally catch fire. There are cases when sheds with bales of hay caught fire without any electricity, and houses caught fire from a heap of grass.
2. 2 Be careful when using grills and barbecues. Place non-flammable sheets underneath. Keep a fire extinguisher handy just in case. Stay nearby when grilling and turn off the flame when you leave. When you return, you can rekindle it again.

Part 6 of 7: Animal Safety

1. 1 Crate train your dog. Once you have a pet, place it in a special crate when you leave the house to prevent your dog from chewing on the cables. In addition, if you leave your pet out of the cage, it can urinate near plugged-in electrical appliances, which can also cause a fire.
2. 2 Lock the cats you have just brought in a safe, small room free of hidden hazards (such as the engine compartment of the refrigerator) and electrical cables. Use this room until the cat is comfortable with it and stops hiding from you. Give your cat the opportunity to eat edible oats or millet so that it does not chew on the cables.
   • Cover rabbits, chinchillas and other pets when there is no way to keep an eye on them so that they do not gnaw through electrical cables and start a fire.
   • Release them in case of an unforeseen incident.

Part 7 of 7: Installing Fire Protection Systems and Learning Fire Safety Rules

1. 1 Install smoke detectors. In many countries it is mandatory to install such sensors in rented premises. If you have them installed, make sure that they work properly. If you live in your own home, install them; if you are renting, ask the tenant to do so.
2. 2 Consider installing a lightning rod if thunderstorms are common in your area. The money spent on this can save you from spending much more on buying all the new equipment after being struck by lightning.
3. 3 Consider installing a fire suppression system. She will be able to extinguish the fire in the event of a fire in your absence and even when you are at home.
4. 4 Teach children not to play with lighters and matches. Children are often victims of fires and should not be allowed to play with fire. Try to find a locker for storing lighters and matches.

Tips

• If your clothes catch fire, fall and roll on the ground! If you run in panic, the flames will only intensify.
• Install fire alarms, smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors. These inexpensive devices have saved many lives.
• Contact the fire department to inspect your home. In most countries, this service will be happy to assist you. They will give you the advice you need, and you don't have to follow them if you don't want to. Everything is voluntary.
• If possible, keep flammable materials away from your home. If there is nowhere else to store them, they should remain in their original packaging or special container.
• Teach children to evacuate in case of fire. Raise a drill, meet outside at a specific location. This way you will know if everyone has made it out. Never return to a burning house.
• Do not store oily rags, especially soiled with gasoline, solvents, linseed oil. Under certain circumstances, they can spontaneously ignite (for no apparent reason).
• Do not block doors and windows that could serve as fire exits.
• If you suspect or notice a problem with the electrical wiring or smell a strange smell, contact a qualified professional immediately.
• Check the fire alarm system periodically.
• Get a fire extinguisher for your kitchen and grill.
• Watch an educational video about fires with your children. In a real situation, the smoke will be very black and pungent (not as shown in the movies) and you will have very little time to get out.

Warnings

• If a fire breaks out, get out of the house as soon as possible. Take care not only of yourself, but also of your loved ones.
• Do not use water to extinguish fires caused by electrical appliances or grease. If you use water on burning electrical appliances, you can get an electric shock. For fat fires, the water will quickly heat up, push the fat out, and the fire will spread even more.
• Never do not burn or accumulate garbage near your home.