Red Useful tips to prevent house fires

Every 20 seconds a fire department responds to a fire somewhere in the nation. Statistics show that over three quarters of all fires start in the home, and this could mean your home. Most deaths from a house fire take place between 22:00 and 06:00 - when we are asleep and unaware of what can happen at home. These figures indicate the usefulness of a smoke detector.

One third of all households have a smoker living in them, and the highest risk group of a home fire are those who drink and smoke in the house. Often it is the flame that kills people, but the lack of oxygen by smoking. Smoke from a fire is responsible for three quarters of all deaths caused by fire, which is another reason why we all should install a smoke detector. (By the way, do not paint over the smoke detector to match your decor.)

Many fires are electrical fires. If you live in an old house, or are uncomfortable with the wiring, you should turn off all appliances at night. This does not mean leaving them on standby. In stand-by units are still using energy. Depending on the equipment on standby that can represent up to 10% of the bill.

While preventive measures are the best, you could take precautions and risk having your family think you're paranoid! Maintain an 'escape kit' of a bucket of water, towels, a whistle, a flashlight and duct tape on hand, and will be well prepared for the worst.

If you're home and you hear a fire or smoke detector and the door feels hot, do not open it. Most rooms have two ways out, doors and windows. If the windows are tall, you can purchase a scale escape window. If you keep all doors closed during the night, the fire will remain confined for longer, but to flee.

A common cause of fire in the house is heating the oil in a hot frying pan. Fire extinguishers are the best for immediate action for a small fire, so keep them in a fire hazard as the kitchen, garage, etc. and displays them in easy to see. Make sure you know how to use it, but it can be frustrating trying to read the instructions with the red hot flames leap to your eyebrows.

For home purchase a type ABC fire extinguisher. A is for paper and wood, B is for fuel, oil and grease, and C is for electrical fires. The majority of domestic fires involving all three, then the need for a fire extinguisher ABC.

If the fire seems too fierce a fire extinguisher, or if you have any doubts that it can get out of hand, leave immediately and call the fire department. This is 911. There are many firefighters who offer a free home fire safety visits and in some areas also include an alarm with no smoke!

If you live in a condo, make sure you and everyone at home knows the plan of building fire safety. Walk the different paths and have a pre-arranged meeting place outside. Keep a kit of escape as mentioned above.

If you use a fireplace, get your chimney swept and inspected once a year. Keep wood and paper away from the outside of the fire. You could also install a spark arrestor that stops the fire from your fireplace.

If you plan to have a real fir tree this Christmas, be sure to water every day to keep it moist. Tests by the National Institute of Standards and Technology that a game can not light a tree wet. It is advisable to rest in 7.6 liters of water and keep it topped up.

Finally, keep the real treasures of life - your photos. Keep photos, legal documents and irreplaceable documents or jewelry in a heavy leather case, a safe route or (best of all) from the house. Some things can not be replaced by insurance .......