House fires can be devastating to a family. Not only are you displaced while your home is being repaired or rebuilt, but you can also lose treasured and irreplaceable items like family pictures and keepsakes. There are some quick and easy steps you can take to reduce the risk of a catastrophic fire breaking out in your house, however. Here are a few of the simplest and most effective methods available.

Home Inspections

Home inspections are valuable not only because they can uncover hidden issues that can save you thousands of dollars, but also because they can expose dangerous problems that could lead to a fire breaking out. Roof inspections can reveal dangers that can make house fires more likely. Gaps in your roof that allow leaks, missing shingles, and roof debris are all fire hazards that increase your risk of disaster. Faulty electrical wiring can also be uncovered during an inspection, which is a leading cause of home fires. Find an inspector who will walk you through any issues with your property and give you recommendations on fixes that need to be prioritized for your safety.

Cooking and Electrical Safety

Your kitchen can be ground zero for a house fire due to its large number of appliances and how frequently they are used. In order to practice good kitchen safety, be sure to keep those appliances well-maintained. A faulty oven can throw off sparks that can easily ignite, causing major safety concerns. You can also reduce your risk by unplugging small electrical appliances like toasters and coffee pots when they are not in use. In addition, review with your family the proper techniques for putting out common types of kitchen fires, such as a grease fire.

Fire Extinguishers

Although it seems like common sense, many homes are not equipped with enough fire extinguishers to effectively contain a small fire, which can cause it to turn into a much bigger one. Fire extinguishers should be available on each floor of your house, and it is a good idea to have an extra one near the kitchen as well. Additionally, fire extinguishers do have expiration dates, yet many homeowners overlook this crucial step when performing maintenance. Ensure that you are conducting monthly inspections on your fire extinguishers and replacing them as needed to help protect your family.

As a homeowner, it is your responsibility to do everything you can to help mitigate the risk of fire in your home. Luckily, by implementing a few safety standards, you are well on your way to being successful.

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