No investment is greater than your home, that why it is necessary to protect it from any possible hazards in order to prolong its life and provide you and your family a shelter for a very long time. And one such hazard that you should look out or prevent is house fires.
House fires can start almost anywhere from your house, from your kitchen, bedroom or even your garage. Fires can be very destructive. It can destroy your home in just minute. It can even claim lives.
The best way to prevent house fires from happening is by being vigilant. You should always be on the look out whether all your gadgets, equipments are working properly especially those which runs on fire, electricity and natural gas. You can also prevent fires by properly storing flammable chemicals away from children. Here are some tips to further help you out in order to prevent and protect your homes from fires.
Install Smoke and Thermal Detectors
There are different types of smoke detectors that you can buy for your house. The most common type of smoke detector is called Ionization Smoke Detectors. This type of smoke detectors runs on batteries and is one of the most economical types. Ionization Smoke detectors are very effective in warning you of smoke coming from wood and paper fires. It is best to put fresh batteries every 6 months to keep them working in top performance.
Another common type of smoke detectors is the photoelectric smoke detectors. They mainly run on electricity but can run on batteries in case of power interruptions. Thermal detectors on the other hand detect heat levels instead of smoke build up. For homes using fossil fuels, it is also best to install Carbon Monoxide detectors.
The National Fire Prevention Association suggests testing your smoke detectors every month and replacing them every 10 years.
Fire Extinguishers
You should place fire extinguishers at strategic locations inside your house. You should have at least one unit inside your kitchen, bedroom, garage and basement. You should also read the instructions on how to use the fire extinguisher unit. Knowing the expiry date is also a must for fire extinguisher owners.
Storing Flammable Materials Properly
It is best to store flammable materials such as paints, gasoline, firewood, charcoal and others in a shed at least 30 feet away from your house. Keep them above ground or keep inside a shelf to keep them away from children. It is also best to keep a fire extinguisher and a smoke detector stored together with these flammable materials.
Check your electrical wirings and devices
Faulty electrical wirings and misuse of electrical circuits are one of the most common causes of house fires. It is best to replace worn or exposed wires, as well as checking out your circuit breakers. It is also advisable to plug your appliances in different outlets to prevent overloading your circuits.
Hire Certified Home Inspectors
The best way to let you know that your house is safe from any fire hazards is by calling the services of certified home inspectors. Certified home inspectors can inspect different areas such as electrical wiring, heating and air-conditioning systems and others, making them good persons to call every time you want to know if your house is safe or not as they can make initial assessments and recommendations.
Your certified home inspectors can give you recommendations and advance tips on how you can make your house safer to live in. He can also advise you on where to properly place fire extinguishers and smoke detectors. Your certified home inspectors can also inform you of the changes that you must do in order to prevent house fires such as changing of your electrical system or improving your heaters and furnace.
It is best to call your certified home inspectors every couple of years to check out the how your house is holding up with the times.
For the best home inspections in the Los Angeles and South Bay Area, you can call South Bay Home Inspections.
South Bay Home Inspections specializes in Generalist Home Inspections as well as Air Sampling and Mold Inspections. We also conduct Pool and Spa Inspections.
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