Fire protection services have long been aware of what the most common fire hazards are, and what fire suppression equipment is needed to avert them. Here’s what you need to know about the three biggest risks to your home.
Faulty Wiring.
According to the fire protection handbook, faulty wiring is one of the biggest fire risks posed to older homes. If you have to unplug one appliance so another can work, if you have to use extension cords extensively, if your circuit breakers frequently trip, and if your lights dim when you turn something on, then you may have a problem with your wiring.
Electrical Appliances.
Electrical appliances are often the cause of home fires. The fire protection handbook says to watch out for appliances with frayed cords, overloaded outlets, and overused extension cords. If you need any electrical work done, the fire protection handbook implores that you only hire a licensed electrician and that you never do things yourself.
Cooking Equipment.
The kitchen is where the vast majority of home fires start. Pots can quickly overheat and pans can splatter grease, which can each create a huge fire in a matter of minutes. Since most kitchen fires begin when people get distracted, the fire protection handbook advises that you remain attentive whenever you’re cooking and that you keep dish towels, oven mitts, and other combustibles well away from heat sources.
Heating Equipment.
You absolutely cannot neglect to have your furnace inspected every year by a technician. If you use other heating apparatuses, such as space heaters, make sure to keep them away from any combustible, like rugs, curtains, or furniture.
Besides having fire protection products, like fire extinguishers, on hand in your home, it’s important to take the necessary precautions, so that you’ll never need them. If you have any questions about the fire protection handbook’s tips, feel free to ask in the comments. For more information see this.
