How to protect yourself from fire accidents at home? (Fire Safety) Let's be aware!

We think that our home is our safest place. But a small mistake or carelessness can cause great destruction. Fire is one such thing. Therefore, it is very important for all of us to be aware of the fire hazards that can occur at home and how to protect ourselves from them. Let's talk about that today.

Some things we don't know about fire accidents

First, let's look at these facts. Consider this: About half of all home fire deaths occur in homes without smoke alarms. Also, most fires occur in the winter. Studies have found that alcohol consumption is a factor in about 40 out of 100 home fires.

The leading cause of house fires is gardening, and the leading cause of fire deaths is smoking.

The importance of smoke alarms

This is a must-have item for your home. Some people may wonder if the sound of this will wake them up. Yes, sometimes small children, young people, and even some adults can be in a deep sleep without being woken up by this sound. That's why it's important to make a plan with the whole family about how to escape in case of a fire.

• Where should you install them?: Install ``Smoke Alarms'' in important places like the kitchen, near bedrooms, and near wood stoves if you have one. At least one should be installed on every floor of the house. Even in the basement.
• Maintenance: Be sure to change the batteries once a year . Check that it is working at least twice a year.
• Special equipment: For those with hearing impairments, there are special `Smoke Alarms` that alert with light signals (strobes) or vibration.
• Replace: If it's 10 years old or has some damage and isn't working, definitely install a new one.

Things we can do to prevent fire accidents

It's better to prevent a fire before it happens than to suffer after it happens. Here are some simple things you can do about it.

Let's practice how to save the whole family in case of a fire (Family Fire Drill)

This is like a game that you can do with the whole family. But this training is very important to save lives.

1. Know the emergency number: The number to call the Sri Lankan fire department is 110. Everyone in the house should know this.

2. Run outside first: If there is a fire, the first thing to do is get out of the house safely . Only then should you call for help.

3. What if your clothes catch fire?: Teach your children the "Stop, Drop, and Roll" method. If your clothes catch fire, they can extinguish the fire by lying on the ground and rolling from side to side, without running.

4. Plan an escape route: Get everyone in the house together and plan at least two escape routes in case of a fire. Get the kids involved in this too.

5. Meeting point: Choose a safe place where everyone can gather after leaving the house (e.g., a lamppost across the street, the gate of a neighboring house). Tell everyone not to re-enter a burning house for any reason .

6. Practice: Practice this escape plan at least twice a year . If you have a babysitter, teach them this plan too.

7. How to escape smoke: Since smoke always rises, it is safest to kneel on the ground. The fresh, cool air is near the ground. Practice this way too.

Main fire hazards in the home

Garden swimming equipment

• If you're leaving something on the stove, turn the heat down a lot.
• Do not leave items like pot holders, plastic spoons, and kitchen towels near the stove. They can easily catch fire.
• Be careful of loose, long-sleeved clothing when cooking.
• Don't leave food for children on the stove. They could climb on it and get hurt.

Cigarettes, lighters and matches

• Lighters and matches are tools for adults, not children's toys . Keep them locked in a cupboard out of reach of children.
• When you put a cigarette butt in an ashtray, make sure it is completely extinguished. Never put a cigarette butt directly into the trash can, wet it with a little water.

Furnaces, stoves and heaters

• Inspect wood-burning stoves and fireplaces at least once a year. Clean their chimneys.
• Do not place flammable objects such as books, paper, or cloth within 3 feet of such equipment.
• If you use an electric space heater, do not place flammable objects near it. Turn it off before going to bed or leaving the room.
• If you use kerosene heaters, use only kerosene. Never add gasoline. After the heater has turned off, fill it up outside the house.

More risks

• Use the correct fuses in the electrical box. Do not overload a single plug point by plugging in too many devices.
• Don't store trash in places like the attic or basement.
• Be careful when storing equipment like gas lawn mowers and chain saws.
• Be very careful when lighting firecrackers. A single spark can start a big fire.

Fire safety, fire hazards, smoke alarm, fire extinguishers, home safety, emergencies