Your home is likely the biggest investment you’ll ever make. Of course, you’ll want to keep it safe and secure. Take care of your property and family by practicing fire safety in the home.

Install Smoke Detectors for Fire Safety

Smoke detecting devices provide an early warning to you and your family in case of fire. Take a look around your home and verify that there are smoke detectors in each bedroom and in the hallway outside the bedrooms. Install at least one smoke detector on each level of your home. These devices are important in the laundry room and the garage, too.

Create an Escape Plan

Work with your family members to come up with an escape plan from your home. Look for two exits from each room and choose a meeting place outside the house. Instruct your children not to open doors if the doorknob is hot. Practice the escape route with your family and teach them that if the smoke is thick, it’s safer to crawl on the ground to exit the home.

Have Your Chimney Cleaned

If you use a wood-burning fireplace for heat in the winter, make a point to have the chimney cleaned in the fall. When burning wood, creosote can accumulate on the walls of your chimney. This build-up can ignite, leading to a chimney fire that may expand into your home. Hire a professional to clean the chimney before you use the fireplace each year.

Fire Extinguishers are Important Tools for Fire Safety

In order to combat small kitchen fires, fire extinguishers are helpful. Each level of your home should have an easy-to-access fire extinguisher located there. Learn how to use these devices and teach older children, so they can use one in case of an emergency.

Practice Fire Safety When Cooking

Because the kitchen is the most common area for a house fire to start, it’s important to be especially safe when you’re cooking. Keep kitchen towels, pot holders, and paper products away from hot surfaces. Wear well-fitted clothing when you’re preparing food. Make sure your apron strings are securely knotted behind your back and tie long hair out of the way. Thoroughly clean your oven and stove after each use to make sure all food particles and grease are removed.

Intteg Home Inspection provides home inspections to Northeast Indiana. Contact us to request our services.