Ensuring the safety of all members of your family can be a daunting task for some people. However, there are very simple ways to maintain a sense of security within your home. Preparation is the key to successfully fighting unprecedented events, such as a fire. There are numerous measures and devices that will help you implement fire safety at home.

Your first preventative measure is to educate everyone on how to handle fires. Learning alongside each other will lessen the burden of being fire prevention experts. First, show children how to perform first aid responses and treatments for minor injuries. Remind everyone, especially children, of important numbers, the location of first aid kits, telephones and fire extinguishers, exit plans, and other things to do. s. The numbers for firefighters, hospitals, police, friends and family should be dialed quickly. Write them down and post them in common areas like the kitchen and living room, and telephones should be accessible in these areas as well. Note that the kits should be complete with band-aids, bandages, ointments, and medications.

For exit plans, you can do it in a light way. Systematize the family fire drill, which can be once a month or depending on your call. It is important that before the drill takes place, everyone has oriented themselves on what to do. Once all the details are worked out, proceed to the drill. Designate the area where the fire will ‘start’ and its extent. Trigger a false alarm. Do it accordingly with these steps:

1. Put out a small fire with any of the following: a fire extinguisher, baking soda, or a thick blanket. Everyone should know how to use these items.
2. In the event of a large fire, “call” immediately for help. The phone should be close to where the incident took place.
3. Go to the next safest exit.
4. Don’t bring anything. Some children would try to rescue their belongings. Tell them not to do it, otherwise they will be trapped and suffocated by the smoke.
5. Be calm and tell everyone to focus on getting out safely.

Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, fire alarms, and fire extinguishers are devices that could save your life. Consult local codes and strictly follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the proper installation and use of any of this equipment. Always see if alarms and detectors are working properly. Your batteries should be replaced at least twice a year. As for fire extinguishers, there are specific types to use depending on the cause of the fire. These are types A, B, C, F and for electrical equipment. Type A is for burning wood, paper, textiles, and fabrics. Type B is for oils, diesel and petroleum. Type C is for butane, methane, and propane. And type F is for cooking oils and fats. The water extinguisher is in Type A. Aqueous film-forming foam is in Types A and B. Carbon dioxide is for Types B and for electrical equipment. Dry powder is for types A, B, C and electrical equipment. And the newest addition to fire extinguishers suitable for home use is the wet chemical, for types A and F.

On the other hand, protecting your kitchen is also your main task. A large percentage of fires start in this area. First of all, do not leave open fire cooking unattended. Avoid wearing long-sleeved shirts or shirts made from materials that can easily catch fire. Avoid placing pot holders, dishcloths, or towels near hot surfaces. Always unplug electrical appliances and stoves immediately after use. And keep lighters and matches out of the reach of children.

With regard to electrical wiring, devices and appliances, always make sure there are no exposed wires. In keeping with this task, rodent infestation control is also vital. These pests tend to chew on wires. They will then be susceptible to friction from the circuit which will cause a fire. Devices and appliances should always be unplugged when no one is home. Do not charge devices unattended, as they can easily overheat.

Nothing beats preparation to make your family safer. These preventative measures are sure to minimize your risks of falling victim to fires and other unfortunate accidents.