One of the worst and scariest things that can
happen is a home fire. The fire when it happen can
occasionally get out of control, and when they do, the damage is often
significant.
There are several things that can
trigger a fire in your home. In addition to common cooking or heating fires, a
number of other fire causes including malfunction of electrical and heating
systems, negligent use of candles, cigarettes and matches, and arson can plague
homeowners.
Based on the reports from Nigeria
Fire Statistics of 2015, approximately 184 deaths
from 397 home fire incidents occurred and properties worth 6 billion naira was
lost.
Between those statistics, and the other tragedy of
losing your home, and your possessions, it's important that you take fire
safety extremely seriously.
So in the interest of
ensuring we continuing to reduce fire statistics across the country, here are
some tips the average person can practice in order to maintain a household safe
from accidental fires.
Install
smoke alarms
Installing functional
smoke alarms throughout the home can help reduce accidental fires. This helps
in detecting smoke/fires at the earliest which prompts for quick fire emergency
control measures. The smoke alarms should be installed inside every area both
inside and outside. But it isn’t enough to merely install smoke alarms; they
need to be maintained as well. To do this, those with smoke alarms in their
home should commit to once-a-month checks and replacing the batteries once a
year.
The majority of actions
that prevent a fire are free, low cost or cost-effective; and ensuring that you
have a fully functioning fire alarm system in place can save you hundreds of
thousands in the long term.
Inspect
cords
Many cords plugged into
multiple outlets throughout the home can present a fire hazard and thus should
be checked periodically to ensure they are generally in good condition and are
not otherwise frayed or damaged. This is because frayed cords can present a risk
of shock as well as being a fire hazard. Also, it’s important to never cover
cords with carpeting or rugs, as this can restrict air flow and cause damage to
the cord.
Look
out for faulty outlets and switches
To cut down on the risk
of fire of these types, residents in home should perform periodic checks of
their home’s outlets and switches. Some warning signs to look for include
1.
Noises coming from the outlet
2.
Plugs that don’t attach firmly to the socket (loose plugs)
3.
Switches or outlets that are warm to the touch
Any of the above can be
signs of bad wiring or insecure electrical connections – both of which are a
fire hazard.
Check
appliances
Household appliances
should never be used in contact with heat sources, such as stoves
or ovens. Even more subtle scenarios, such the cord of a blender running
around a toaster, can present a fire hazard. And, of course, portable heaters
should be kept at least three feet away from anything flammable.
Make sure everyone knows
where fire extinguishers are located and how
to use them.
Include fire extinguisher locations and
instructions for use in every part of your home. If a small fire does start, it
is much easier to squelch if every occupant is prepared. Locate fire extinguishers in visibly and
clearly marked places throughout the home especially the kitchen.
Consider
light-bulb wattage
Unfortunately,
many people use light bulbs with a wattage rating not properly suited to the
fixtures they are plugged into in the home. Needless to say, this can present a
fire hazard. The best course of action for those who don’t know how much
wattage their fixtures are equipped for is to be on the safe side and use a
60-watt bulb.
Don't leave the kitchen
or grill unattended
Grease fires are some of the most common types of
fires, so make sure that your kitchen is clean and that you never leave the
stove or grill on when you step outside.
Keep matches and
lighters away from kids
Be sure to lock up all sources of flame at all
times.
By adhering to these simple tips and guidelines, we can do our part to reduce the occurrence of home fires and protect ourselves and our families in the process.
For a comprehensive plan to protect your home and
properties against the loss/damage by fire accident, get our Fire Insurance policy today!
Follow us on our twitter handle - @con_hallmark
& facebook page - conhallmark
Visit our website for more tailor-made insurance
covers at: www.consolidatedhallmark.com
No comments:
Post a Comment