The safety and security of your home and loved ones is of paramount concern. A number of accidents that lead to life-altering consequences are caused by human negligence, including home fires. Home fires are devastating yet preventable accidents that can be managed by taking simple precautionary measures. That said, understanding fire safety and taking precautions is not just a matter of prudence but also one of responsible homeownership.
For your convenience, here we have mentioned some home fire prevention tips that can save your home from a catastrophic accident.
How Can We Prevent Home Fires
Similar to fire safety in apartments, homeowners are also required to install fire alarms, have an extinguisher and need to take some safety measures.
Here is the complete detail of how to prevent house fires.
Install Fire Alarms
The first step is to install fire alarms in the house or opt for the Hassantuk for homes in the UAE. These devices detect smoke and alarm the residents about a potential fire. The number of fire alarms in the house depends on the size of the house. The rule of thumb for it is to install at least one fire alarm on every floor, one in the kitchen and one in the bedroom. Make sure to test the alarm automatically and manually before and after installing it.
Aside from the installation, it is also recommended to be familiar with the siren of the fire alarm. Educate every resident about the siren and what to do when they hear it. If you want to buy pocket-friendly smoke alarms, browse through these used smoke detectors for sale in the UAE and buy them as per your budget.
Remove Light Fabric Curtains
Summers in the UAE are harsh and the temperature can be up to 40℃. Installing a light fabric curtain on the windows receiving direct sunlight can be dangerous. These light fabrics can catch fire when heated up by direct sunlight. Therefore, either opt for double-layered or thick fabric curtains. If changing curtains is expensive for you, browse through these used curtains and blinds for sale in the UAE and buy a curtain as per your budget.
Along with the curtain, make sure there is no fire-sensitive material in the home where sunlight directly reaches. Look for metal or glass decoration pieces that can reflect sunlight, heating other spaces in the home.
Put Out Cigarettes Properly
Cigarettes are not only hazardous to health but can also be a source of home fire. Try not to smoke inside the house, especially on the sofa, bed or on a mattress. This is because the mattress contains cotton that can catch fire immediately.
If you are smoking in the house, make sure to dispose of the cigarettes properly. A simple ashtray will not work, as the cigarette remains and ashes can also ignite fire. Place a wet tissue on the ashtray and dispose of the cigarette by rubbing on it. When smoking outdoors, make sure to install outdoor ashtrays and clean them once a week.
Adhere to Safety Measures While Cooking
Cooking fires can also be a potential cause of starting a home fire. It is important to be present in the kitchen when boiling, grilling or frying any kind of food. Moreover, remove any flammable material like cookbooks, dish towels and potholders and keep them at a distance from the fire.
For BBQ, select an appropriate place and create a safety zone around it to keep children and others at a distance. Try not to wear light flammable clothes while BBQing and regularly check the grill temperature. Please remember that there are certain balcony rules and regulations in Dubai and other Emirates that restrict BBQing on the balconies. Therefore, opt for an open space when planning a BBQ.
Here are some other tips for a safe BBQ at home.
Learn to Use a Fire Extinguisher
Fire extinguishers are necessary for home fire prevention; it is also obligatory by some authorities to have these devices at home. Installing them at home is only the first part; the second is to learn how to use it in case of an emergency. The easiest way to learn is by remembering the term PASS, which stands for:
- Pull the pin
- Aim low
- Squeeze the lever
- Sweep the nozzle
Please remember that there are different kinds of fire and a simple extinguisher can not cater to all of them. However, it can still create a significant impact on fire spreading and control the damage that the fire can cause. Browse through these fire extinguishers for sale in the UAE and buy an appropriate one for your home.
Create an Evacuation Plan
Apartments, residential complexes and hotels have an evacuation plan with emergency fire exit. That said, homeowners are responsible for drafting their own evacuation plans. Start by installing a fire exit or fire door in your home, and position it towards an open area like a garden or front yard. Now, educate all the family members to evacuate immediately when a smoke alarm is on. Also, elaborate on a common meeting point near the house to gather after the fire. Lastly, teach all of them how to dial the fire fighting department (997).
Avoid Overloading Sockets
The wiring in the house is capable of bearing a certain amount of load and surpassing its limit may result in fire. It is recommended not to overload sockets by using extension cables and multi-point sockets. Rather, plug in one device at a time to avoid any unlikely situation.
When charging phones and other smart devices, do not place them on the bed or on flammable objects. The charging port, when disrupted, can cause sparks, leading to home fires. This is one of the reasons it is recommended not to leave your phone on charge overnight. Aside from that, also consider the signs of electrical problems in your home to avoid fire accidents.
Have Necessary Tools
It is essential to have necessary evacuation tools in the house to save your loved ones. The list of must-have tools in your home is long, but at least the basic ones should be present. This includes a fire blanket, hammer, fire safety gloves, fire safety mask and emergency light, among others.
FAQs
How to prevent fires in your home?
You can prevent home fires by implementing basic fire safety and prevention rules. For instance, avoid BBQing at home, dispose of cigarettes properly, blow off the candles and avoid overloading sockets.
What is the number of Dubai fire fighting departments?
You can call 997 for the fire department from any corner of the UAE.
What are the key fire safety equipment that every home must have?
The key fire safety equipment for homes includes fire extinguishers, fire blankets, smoke alarms and fire-proof gloves.
These were all the basic home fire prevention tips that can be used to avoid fire accidents. Home fires can be started due to many reasons, but lack of maintenance and old wiring tops the list.
If you are living in a house with old wiring, it’s time to switch. Browse through these properties for sale in the UAE and buy a newly built property unit for yourself.
Stay tuned to dubizzle’s property blog to know how to prevent house fires in more detail.
