• 24 Feb 2021
• opticom

We believe that the best way to keep homeowners and their families safe from fire, is to help you understand common risks and how to reduce them. House fires can be caused by faulty electrical appliances, open fires and heaters, or unattended cooking. Below are easy ways to keep you safe from fires.

Smoke and fire alarms

Fire spreads fast however, did you know that Carbon monoxide (CO) is a gas that you cannot see, taste or smell and because of this, is often called the “invisible killer.” For early fire detection, install smoke alarms on every level of your home and inside and outside all sleeping areas. Similarly; for extra protection, you can also install a smoke alarm in your child’s bedroom and in the bedrooms of those who sleep with their doors closed.

We advise that you test your alarms regularly to ensure they work and don’t need new batteries, and replace alarms that are at least 10 years old.

Kitchen                                                                    

Home fires are more likely to start in the kitchen than any other room in the home. To prevent a cooking fire, it is crucial that you stay in the kitchen when you’re cooking, if you to leave the kitchen, turn the burner off. Keep things that can burn away from your cooking area, for instance kitchen cloths. It is also important that you keep toddlers away from the kitchen when cooking as they might cause accidents that are likely to cause fire.

Heating

Heating is the second-leading cause of home fires. Keep anything that can burn at least three feet away from fireplaces, wood stoves, portable heaters and radiators. When you leave a room or go to bed, turn heaters off or unplug them.

Electronics

Most electrical fires are caused by faulty electrical outlets (Receptacles) or worn out sockets that are not properly grounded. If you have an electrical cord that is frayed or broken, throw it out. Use extension cords as a temporary power supply only. In addition; old or overheating appliances cause majority of electrical fires. It’s important to ensure you are using safe devices, and keeping up with their maintenance.

Candles

In times of power blackouts, many households opt to use candles. Need to say that any open flame is dangerous, so if you use candles in your home, put them in suitable holders and never leave a burning candle unattended · Similarly, always put candles on a heat resistant surface and have them at least 12 inches away from anything flammable, and make sure pets and children can’t reach them.

Fire Escape Plan

A home fire escape plan helps your family know what to do in a fire emergency at home. Time is precious when it comes to a fire, so establish an escape plan with your family about what to do if there is one. To ensure family members remember the plan, practice it together at least twice a year.

Helpful fire safety products for your home

Here are some fire safety products that may be helpful to have in your house to protect you from a fire or to prevent one from getting out of hand

• Fire Extinguishers- Store a fire extinguisher in your kitchen and on each level of your home, near bedrooms.
• Fire Blanket- A fire blanket is used to extinguish a small fire by smothering it before it has a chance to get any bigger.
• Smoke Detectors- A fire-protection device that automatically senses the presence of smoke, as a key indication of fire, and sounds an alarm to notify those in the premises.
• First Aid kit – A collection of supplies and equipment that are used to issue medical treatment.

Implementing fire prevention measures is the key in an attempt to insure your personal safety and that of your family. Let’s help you achieve that, call us; 020 2686857 / 020 7909011 info@opticom.co.ke