Mitigating household risk this National Fire Prevention Month
Smoke alarms should be tested twice a year and replaced entirely at least every ten years.
More home electrical fires happen during the winter months than any other season, with over half of the 45,000 average annual fires happening between December and February, according to the National Fire Protection Association. These fires are often caused by things like damaged wiring, space heaters, dryer fans, overloaded outfits and both indoor and outdoor holiday decorations.
October is National Fire Prevention Month – making it the perfect time for homeowners to inspect their home’s systems and appliances to ensure they aren’t dealing with unnecessary fire risk as temperatures drop.
The National Emergency Management Association (NEMA) suggests homeowners take the following steps to protect their home from preventable fires:
- Only plug one heat-producing appliance into an outlet at a time.
- Regularly check electrical cords for damage, and don’t use anything with a damaged cord.
- Stay current with National Electrical Code requirements to prevent electrical fires.
- Keep any portable generators outside and far away from the home.
- Only use extension cords temporarily. If a homeowner needs a long-term solution to plug something in, they should hire an electrician to install another outlet.
- Follow all manufacturer instructions on how and where to use appliances.
In addition to taking the precautions proposed by NEMA, homeowners should also install reliable systems in their home to protect against fire risk. Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms should ideally be installed on each floor of the home – including the basement – as well as in every bedroom. Alarms should be tested twice a year and replaced entirely at least every ten years.
They should also have a working fire extinguisher on each level of the home and in the garage, and know how to use it. An easy way to remember the steps to use a fire extinguisher is with the P.A.S.S. acronym, which First Alert explains as:
- Pull: Pull out the small pin that prevents the extinguisher from discharging.
- Aim: Aim the nozzle of the fire extinguisher at the base of the fire.
- Squeeze: Squeeze the extinguisher’s trigger slowly and evenly.
- Sweep: Sweep the fire extinguisher from side to side to cover all areas affected by the fire.
First Alert also advises that prior to discharging a fire extinguisher, homeowners take some safety precautions. If the fire is too big or out of control, they should not risk their safety by trying to put it out. They should instead evacuate the home and call emergency services. They should also make sure the nozzle of the extinguisher is pointed away from them while in use, and that they keep their back toward a clear exit so they can flee if the situation becomes too dangerous.
It’s also imperative to plan and practice an evacuation plan for those in the home. This should include knowing at least two ways out of each room; having an outside meeting place (far enough away from the home where everyone is out of danger from the fire); teaching their children how to escape on their own in case they are unable to reach them; and remembering to close doors behind them as they evacuate the home to help contain the fire.