Fire Safety Issues

Fires can lead to extensive property loss and death. To reduce this threat, you must develop a plan of response should an unpreventable fire occur. By thinking about the possibility of fire, you not only limit the severity of a fire's impact, but reduce the likelihood of facing a fire at all.

Fire Prevention Precautions

• While not all fires are avoidable, many can be prevented with simple fire prevention precautions. If individuals exercise care around open flames and avoid smoking in bed, for instance, many fires never have to happen.

  Another common precaution to take is that of checking all power cords to make sure they are not frayed or worn.

Smoke Detectors

• Smoke detectors can alert individuals to the presence of fire, making escape possible. They should be checked twice annually. To ensure that you are consistent with this checking schedule, you should check your detectors each time the clocks are changed for daylight savings time. Replace all smoke detectors every five years.

Fire Exits

• In public buildings, fire exits should be clearly marked. Every public place must have at least two fire exits to ensure that occupants can escape even if one exit is blocked by fire.

  In your home, you should consider your fire escape options carefully. By moving through your home and thinking about how you would exit the structure in case of a fire, you can save valuable minutes should a fire occur.

Fire Extinguishers

• Fire extinguishers are commonplace in many public buildings. When fire extinguishers are present, they should be checked by a certified agent annually.

  When purchased for home use, fire extinguishers should be replaced annually as models certified for home use do not have as long a shelf life as industrial models. Fire extinguishers should only be used when a fire is small and contained. If a fire is rapidly spreading, attempting to use a fire extinguisher to contain the blaze will likely result in injury.

Fire Education

• Children are commonly hurt in fires because they are unaware of the proper evacuation and safety procedures. Children should be educated on the basics of fire safety starting at a young age, with annual drills on the importance of fire safety and steps to take in the event of a fire.