Fire Safety
So far we’ve just talked about locking everything up, but it would be irresponsible to write a guide on home security, and not draw your attention to the important area of fire safety.
At times you must be prepared to make compromises between security and safety. There is little point being so secure that you cannot actually get out in the case of fire.
Identify The Risks.
Your Locks.
Always know where your keys are, keep them with you if you can. Make sure that everybody in the household knows where to find the keys in an emergency.
If you have window locks, (and you probably should), know the location of the keys. Always keep a window lock key in a safe place in each room. For security purposes, avoid leaving the keys in the locks, and preferably keep them out of sight.
Smoke Alarms.
They are inexpensive, and could save your life. Make sure that you have at least one, but if possible have several.
Escape Plan.
Make sure that you, and everyone in the house, knows what to do should fire break out.
Fire Safety Products.
Fire Blankets.
Suitable for use in smothering kitchen fires etc. make sure that you know how to use it before a fire occurs, so read the instructions.
Site your fire blanket so that it is within easy reach in an emergency, (you don’t want to have to reach over a pan of burning oil to get to it)!
Fire Extinguishers.
These are a good investment for your overall home safety, but don’t allow the fact that you have a fire extinguisher to fill you with false confidence. They are designed to deal with small fires, caught in the early stages, and nothing more.
Anyone who has witnessed a domestic fire extinguisher being used, will know that it doesn’t last all that long, so put aside any thoughts of having much time to tackle any blaze.
Make sure that you have a suitable, all purpose, domestic extinguisher, designed for use on all fire types. (For obvious reasons, an extinguisher containing water would be totally inappropriate for use on an electrical fire)!
Check that your extinguisher hasn’t passed it’s expiry date, as, over time pressure may be lost, and you could find that it doesn’t operate when you need it. If it has expired, get a new one.
Don’t be tempted to test your extinguisher. Partial discharge may also allow vital pressure to drop, they are designed to be used all at once, not on several different occasions.
Know how your fire extinguisher works and how it should be used.
Read the instructions, and refresh your memory by reading them again from time to time. Don’t wait until you actually need the thing!
Know where you’re aiming it. As we’ve already mentioned, you won’t get much time, so make sure you use it properly. The flames will probably look prettier at the top, but you will almost certainly want to be focusing your efforts toward the base of the fire.
Next (And Final), Subject: Your Next Step.
