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Protect Your Home from Fire By Deborah C. Gerbers
Basic fire prevention is key to a safe home. Unattended candles, stoves and cooking units, and small space heaters contribute to many house fires. Make sure to use candles with caution — don’t let them burn for longer than a couple of hours at a time, blow them out completely when you leave a room, and place them away from pets and small children who might be able to knock them over. Be sure to turn off stovetop burners after cooking, don’t leave the oven on, and keep flammables like towels and dishrags away from hot surfaces. In winter months, if using space heaters, keep the units away from walls, rugs, beds, and anything else that could catch fire. Use the lowest setting possible and always turn them off when you’re not present. Working smoke detectors are another way to alert your family if there is a fire in the house. Make sure to check batteries monthly and
4 Home Living | October 2021
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House fires can be terrifying and deadly, yet preventable when you implement the right safety precautions. According to the American Red Cross, if a fire starts in your home, you may have as little as two minutes to escape. The best chance for a safe escape is early warning from a working smoke alarm, along with a practiced fire escape plan. Read on for how to keep your home and family safe from fires.
