Essential Home Fire Safety Features Worth Having

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Fire is one of the most destructive elements in nature and, of course, our homes are not exempt from its all-consuming tendencies. However, there are many precautions we can take to protect our homes in the event of an emergency.

A few fire extinguishers

A fire extinguisher can mean the difference between an embarrassing little accident and a full blown disaster. They aren’t just for public areas either. They can help you put out a fire before it gets out of control or create an escape route. You should definitely have at least one extinguisher in your home, if not several. The only major difference between a home fire extinguisher and an industrial extinguisher is the size. Home canisters are smaller because they are designed to easily fit in spots around your house.

It is recommended to keep one in the kitchen or anywhere else where high heat is generated. Fire extinguishers can often be found in mechanic’s garages. For the same reasons, you may want to have an extra extinguisher on hand in your garage—especially if you do welding projects or mechanical work. Make sure that everyone in your home knows where to locate the extinguisher during an emergency and teach small children the proper techniques to put out a fire.

Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors

Many buildings are required to have smoke detectors (according to fire safety regulations) but you should be sure that you have a working one in your home. A fire can start anywhere there is an electrical or heating device. So, a detector should be strategically placed throughout a home so that if a fire occurs, it will be detected in any room. Fires can spread quickly, so having a way to detect them as soon as they start is essential.

If you or a neighbour like to use gas based appliances or anything else that produces carbon monoxide, it is a good idea to have a carbon monoxide detector as well. Carbon monoxide is an odourless, colourless and tasteless gas so without a detector you may not realise you are being poisoned until the damage has already been done.

A home security system

A home security system is your first line of defence against burglary but did you know it can also help you in case of a fire. Some security systems are designed to detect fires, carbon monoxide, and alert the proper authorities in case of an emergency. This is an enormously helpful feature especially considering the fact that smoke and carbon monoxide can cause you to black out. Having a security system that automatically alerts the authorities could be a life saver.

A home fire safe

Fire and other home emergencies are not just a danger to your personal safety but also to your valuables. Important documents, certificates and ID cards are particularly vulnerable to high heats. Even if you keep them in metal containers, they can be damaged by heat if the container is not designed to resist fire. A fire safe from the Safe Options range are designed to keep the inside cool enough to avoid heat damage for up to 120 minutes in a fire. This is especially helpful for safeguarding important documents that you might need after a fire like health or home insurance forms.