In our endeavour to garner more floor space and safeguard houses against theft, we compromise with safety, making ourselves prone to a calamity arising due to fire. In modern homes, balconies have become extinct, windows are covered with grills and buildings are being designed without parapets.
Architects and consumers must not compensate safety for aesthetics, and plan buildings keeping in mind their ability to escape a hazardous situation caused by fire.
Common Causes of Fire
Electrical appliances and equipments when tampered with may cause fire. In case of loss or lapse in function, seek professional guidance. Trying to deal with technical problems of electrical instruments might cause a spark or a short circuit resulting in a fire.
The elderly population and children are prone to accidentally start a fire. If constant supervision is a daunting task, continuous counselling can prove to be fruitful.
Unattended live cigarette buds in the house are dangerous.
Many a times, performing religious or cultural activities using candles, oil burners and incense can go out of hand and start a fire.
Unattended cooking can cause a severe fire as the kitchen often features oil, grease and other inflammable objects.
Unnecessary stacking of goods and inflammables can act as a cause as well as impede escaping from fire. Storing large quantity of chemicals must be avoided at all costs.
Preventive Measures
It is better to be safe than sorry. Here are five ways you can ensure the safety of your loved ones:
Smoke Detectors
Smoke detectors are sensitive devices that react in case of smoke and alert inhabitants of the room of a potential fire. These devices can prevent potential damage to life and valuables. While installing smoke detectors, they have to be installed strategically. Check their batteries regularly to ensure continuous protection.
Sprinkler System
Sprinkler system is similar to a smoke detector. However, it goes one step ahead of detecting smoke and fire. On detection, the system activates the sprinklers in the room to extinguish the fire. It can be directly connected to the home plumbing system.
Fire Blanket
A fire blanket can curtail the damage caused by fire to an extent. When draped over an object or a person, the blanket cuts the supply of oxygen to the fire and doesn't allow it to spread. These blankets are used to extinguish fire mainly arising in the kitchen.
Fire Extinguisher
This is the most widely used fire protection equipment in commercial as well as household settings. Fire extinguishers are a productive way of dealing with fire, however, only if the fire is in the initial stage. It is necessary to educate yourself and your family members about its mechanism and protocol of neutralizing a fire threat.
Standard Electrical Installations
One must not stuff the house with hazardous materials. Ensure that furniture and fixtures follow the standards specified by building codes. Electrical installations must adhere to the specifications of the Code of Practice for Electrical Wiring Installations.
Simple measures can go a long way in saving life and valuables. Ensure that emergency numbers are handy all the time to reach out for help in case of a mishap. Stay safe; remember warm is cosy, but hot isn't!