7 Tips To Make Your Home Fire Resistant

Electrical fires are a common cause of house fires in the Philippines. To prevent electrical fires, it is essential to maintain your home's electrical wiring. According to BFP spokesperson Supt. Annalee Carbajal-Atienza, it is advisable to conduct regular inspections of electrical wirings in any infrastructure every decade or so, particularly if any renovation work has been done.

Also, short circuits occur when an electrical current flows through an unintended path, bypassing the normal load. To prevent short circuits, it is important to ensure that all electrical wiring and connections are properly installed and maintained. This includes checking for frayed or damaged wires, using appropriate wire connectors, and avoiding overloading circuits with too many devices. Using circuit breakers or fuses can help to limit the amount of current that flows through a circuit and prevent dangerous situations.

Another important step in making your home fire-resistant is to install fire extinguishers. Fire extinguishers can help you put out small fires before they become too large to handle. Keep fire extinguishers on every floor of your home, particularly in the kitchen, garage, and near fireplaces. Learn how to use them properly and have them inspected annually.

If you can’t afford one, make sure you have any of these alternatives to help you put out small fires before it grows big.

• Baking soda: Baking soda can be used to put out small fires, such as those in the kitchen or on a stove. Simply sprinkle the baking soda on the fire and it will help smother the flames.
  
  
• Sand or dirt: Sand or dirt can also be used to put out fires. If you have a small fire, such as a campfire, you can throw sand or dirt on it to help extinguish the flames.
  
  
• Water: Water is a very effective way to put out fires. If you have access to a water source, such as a hose or bucket, you can use it to put out the fire. Another tip is to keep water in easily accessible areas around your household.

Maintaining a clear area around your home is also crucial in making your home fire-resistant. This area is called a defensible space and can help protect your home from huge fires. Remove dry brush, dead vegetation, and other flammable materials. This creates a buffer zone that can help prevent flames from spreading to your home. Keep your gutters and roof free of debris like leaves and small tree branches to prevent them from igniting your roof.

Another common cause of fires in the country is an overheating appliance. Before leaving your house unattended, make sure you’ve plugged out appliances that may cause fire when they overheat. It is also important to remind household members of safety measures when using machines or appliances that may cause fire such as kitchen stoves, microwave ovens, flat iron, electric fan, and heaters.

This may be an expensive option but another way to make your home fire-resistant is to install smoke detectors. Smoke detectors are useful because they can alert you to a fire in your home, giving you valuable time to evacuate.

Install smoke detectors in every room of your home, especially in the kitchen and near bedrooms. Test the detectors regularly and replace batteries as needed. It is also a good idea to have a smoke detector installed outside each sleeping area.

Joining fire-prevention activities is an important way to contribute to the safety of communities and the environment. By participating in these activities, individuals can learn about fire safety measures, such as properly storing flammable materials and using fire extinguishers.

Fire-prevention activities provide opportunities to educate others about fire safety and raise awareness about the importance of taking preventative measures. These activities may include community cleanups to reduce fire hazards, organizing local workshops on fire safety, and participating in fire drills. By participating in fire-prevention activities, individuals can play an active role in preventing fires and protecting their homes and communities.

Even with all the precautions, fires can still happen. Therefore, it is essential to have an emergency plan in place in case of a fire.

Make sure everyone in your household knows how to evacuate quickly and safely. Identify two escape routes from every room in your home and practice your evacuation plan regularly. Have a designated meeting spot outside your home where everyone can gather.

Fires can cause significant damage to property, harm to individuals, and loss of life. By taking preventative measures, we can reduce the risk of fires occurring and protect our belongings, ourselves, and our loved ones.