How to Prevent Home Fires

According to the U.S. Fire Administration, approximately 3,500 American die each year in fires and another 18,300 are injured.

As part of Fire Prevention Month, here are some important ways to protect your home and family from fires.

• Have a smoke detector – You should have a smoke detector on every level of your home. It’s the best way to detect a fire before it’s too late. It’s important to regularly test your smoke detectors. Try to test them at least once a month. Replace smoke detectors that are over 10 years old.

• Keep a fire extinguisher – Having a fire extinguisher can help you douse a fire before it destroys your home. Keep a fire extinguisher in your kitchen to protect against grease fires on your stove as well as small appliance fires.

• Avoid overloading circuits – This is a common cause of fires. Don’t overload electrical circuits with tons of plugs. You’ll also want to avoid placing extension cords in high traffic areas. If you notice a plug with a frayed wire, discontinue use.

• Keep lighters and matches away from children – You’ll always want to keep your matches and lighters locked away in a safe place from children. Additionally, discuss the importance of fire safety with your children. Let them know that matches and lighters are not a toy.

• Consider a home security system – A home security system can protect your home from a fire whether or not you’re at home. These systems include 24 hour monitoring features that quickly dispatch the fire department when the system detects excessive heat and smoke.

At Hue & Cry, Inc., we specialize in fire alarms systems in Northern California and Southern Oregon. Discover how we can help protect your home and family from fires by visiting our website at www.HueAndCry.com or by calling us at 1-800-762-3196.