A beginners guide to fire safety for homeowners

House fires can happen anytime and spread quickly, causing extensive damage to your property and putting your household at risk. However, there are some basic fire safety tips you can use to reduce your fire risk significantly at home - and know how to react if one should start.

How can I prevent home fires?

One of the first things you can do to prevent home fires is to install smoke alarms. Smoke detectors alert you of smoke, sometimes way before a fire has started. If the alarm goes off, it warns you and gives time to investigate the source of the smoke. 

Create a fire escape plan in the event a home fire were to occur. It’s easy to panic in emergencies, but with a plan, you’ll have done the thinking ahead of time. Have at least one fire extinguisher handy, and keep exit routes free of debris or furniture to aid a quick escape.

What to do if a fire starts

In the case of a fire, remain calm and put your escape plan into action. Once everyone in your home is safely accounted for, call 911. Do not go back into the property to retrieve items until the fire department gives you the all-clear. If you can’t make it outside, close doors and vents to prevent air from feeding the flames. Then call 911 for help. 

Every year, house fires damage homes and put residents in harm's way. By installing smoke alarms, monitoring heat sources and having a plan of action, you can keep your home safer.