Protecting Yourself from Fire
Protecting Yourself from Fire
Fire is one of the most difficult dangers to protect yourself again, every home is vulnerable to a fire and they can be caused by very simple things, or a malfunction in just about any electrical or gas product. Most home insurance policies will protect you financially from the damage caused by a fire, but every day one person dies and forty people are injured as a result of house fires, and no amount of home insurance will alleviate the trauma if one of your nearest and dearest is injured or worse in a fire.
Smoke detectors are very cheap and easiest to fit. However, they are no use if they don't work, so make sure that you check them regularly to ensure that their batteries are actually operating and that they will notify you in event of a fire.
Many fires are caused by faulty electrics; make sure that all your electrical wiring is safe. Make sure that a qualified electrician has a look every two or three years and don't try and save money by checking or modifying anything yourself. Check flexes and any cables that you have for tears in the covering that may expose wires and cause a safety risk.
Statistically speaking more fires start in the kitchen than anywhere else in the home and it's usually cooking appliances that are the main cause. When you are in the kitchen, cooking, never leave anything being heated without attention. If anything that is fatty catches fire avoid using water to put it out, turn off all the heat immediately and smother the flames with a damp cloth, lid or plate. It is always a good idea to have a fire extinguisher in the house and a fire blanket where possible; they are not very expensive and can be incredibly useful.
Rubbish provides natural fuel for a fire, so regularly clear rubbish from the attics, cupboards and anywhere else where you may find that you end up with piles of unused and unwanted material. Smokers also should beware, if you smoke in the house make sure that it is completely stubbed out, and pay particular attention if you smoke when you are feeling tired in case you happen to fall asleep.
Be wary of young children who may not know certain fire risks. Do not leave them alone in the house and you should keep matches and anything that could start a fire well out of risk of being used as a plaything. Additionally all fires should have hearth guards and you should make sure that your children know how to get out of the house quickly if they have to.
Fire is extremely difficult to protect against, but the danger can be minimised with a few simple measures and a lot of common sense. If you suffer any damage your home insurance company will probably have a list of emergency telephone numbers that can help you out.
Fire is one of the most difficult dangers to protect yourself again, every home is vulnerable to a fire and they can be caused by very simple things, or a malfunction in just about any electrical or gas product. Most home insurance policies will protect you financially from the damage caused by a fire, but every day one person dies and forty people are injured as a result of house fires, and no amount of home insurance will alleviate the trauma if one of your nearest and dearest is injured or worse in a fire.
Smoke detectors are very cheap and easiest to fit. However, they are no use if they don't work, so make sure that you check them regularly to ensure that their batteries are actually operating and that they will notify you in event of a fire.
Many fires are caused by faulty electrics; make sure that all your electrical wiring is safe. Make sure that a qualified electrician has a look every two or three years and don't try and save money by checking or modifying anything yourself. Check flexes and any cables that you have for tears in the covering that may expose wires and cause a safety risk.
Statistically speaking more fires start in the kitchen than anywhere else in the home and it's usually cooking appliances that are the main cause. When you are in the kitchen, cooking, never leave anything being heated without attention. If anything that is fatty catches fire avoid using water to put it out, turn off all the heat immediately and smother the flames with a damp cloth, lid or plate. It is always a good idea to have a fire extinguisher in the house and a fire blanket where possible; they are not very expensive and can be incredibly useful.
Rubbish provides natural fuel for a fire, so regularly clear rubbish from the attics, cupboards and anywhere else where you may find that you end up with piles of unused and unwanted material. Smokers also should beware, if you smoke in the house make sure that it is completely stubbed out, and pay particular attention if you smoke when you are feeling tired in case you happen to fall asleep.
Be wary of young children who may not know certain fire risks. Do not leave them alone in the house and you should keep matches and anything that could start a fire well out of risk of being used as a plaything. Additionally all fires should have hearth guards and you should make sure that your children know how to get out of the house quickly if they have to.
Fire is extremely difficult to protect against, but the danger can be minimised with a few simple measures and a lot of common sense. If you suffer any damage your home insurance company will probably have a list of emergency telephone numbers that can help you out.
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