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The intense summer heat is sparing no one. Keep you, your home and loved ones safe.
Summer season is upon us and with the scorching heat of Mr. Sun, safety is important. Make sure that not only your skin and eyes are protected, but also your loved ones and properties.
First off—once fire starts, you will only have at least two minutes to escape. So it’s definitely important to make the simple but necessary precautions to prevent this tragedy from happening to anybody whether at home, or outdoors.
Know more about how to keep you and your loved ones safe through the following fire prevention tips.
Electrical safety
In this day and age, everything is powered by electricity. And electrical malfunctions are among the leading causes of fires, especially at home. Therefore, it’s important to ensure that only qualified electricians make any changes in your property. Conduct regular checks of the electrical cords, outlets and power strips.
Moreover, avoid octopus wiring or connections (multiple plugs in the main electrical outlet or power strip) via extension cords. This can cause sparks that may lead to electrical overload which usually results to a fire.
Additionally, remember to use only light bulbs which matches the recommended wattage for every lamp or light fixture. Refer to the sticker or label which indicates the maximum wattage light bulb to use.
Install fire safety equipment
Installing fire safety equipment such as a smoke alarm on every level of a house or building warns the people inside of the impending danger. The ideal places to have it at home is in the kitchen, rooms, and other living areas. Smoke rises so smoke detectors and alarms should be mounted high on a wall, about a foot from or on the ceiling.
It’s important that these smoke alarms are tested every month to ensure that they are working. Otherwise, ensure that batteries are replaced as soon as needed. Best to replace the battery once the smoke alarm chirps. Most failures occur due to a disconnected or dead battery. So always remember to keep a spare one.
Having the proper fire safety equipment can save a life.
Keep a fire extinguisher
Not all types of fire can be extinguished with water so it is very important to have a fire extinguisher. All homes and establishments should have a working fire extinguisher to use in case of fire.
It is also important that everyone in the household and in the office knows how to properly use a fire extinguisher.
To use a fire extinguisher, remember the word PASS: Pull the pin, Aim low, Squeeze the lever slowly and evenly, and Sweep the nozzle from side to side.
Have a fire escape plan
It’s important to have a fire escape plan be it at home or at work. All family members or persons who are living together should come up with a plan, understand the exit routes and know the meeting place. Moreover, it’s best to practice it twice a year.
The same goes at work too. Buildings should be able to have fire exits with ample space on every floor. The building or safety department will also need to conduct fire drills regularly to ensure that everyone knows how to get out safely in case of fire.
Know the basic fire safety tips
Help your friends and loved ones stay safe by teaching them the basic safety fire tips.
Do not let children near anything which will help start a fire such as matches, lighters, or candles. Keep these items hidden or stored safely and away from them. Instead, let them know what to do should there be a fire emergency.
Call for help
Keep the number of the nearest fire department in your area and call immediately should a fire occur. If a fire occurs and you have done all of the above, or even if you haven’t—get out if you can and ask for help immediately. If you are able to get out, do not go back inside.
We don’t want fire to occur anywhere, but in case it does, it’s important for each and every one of us to know what to do. Know and follow the three “P’s”: prevent, plan, and practice. Remember, fire prevention is better than firefighting.
Sources: Official Gazette, Red Cross, Safety
Read our previous journal for more tips and advice.
