There are more home fires in the winter months then at any other time of the year, according to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). Smoking in the home, cooking, electrical and heating systems and operation of small appliances all increase the risk of fire.
We’ve put together some helpful things you can do to prevent a home fire:
Smoke Detectors
Smoke detectors save lives. They are the most effective, low cost protection against fire that you can buy. The peak time for home fire fatalities is between midnight and 8 AM, when most people are asleep. When you change your clock for Daylight Savings in the spring and fall, change the battery in your fire alarm.
For people who are hard of hearing, there are special alert devices that produce a loud, mixed low-pitched sound that are usually installed next to the bed. There are also pillow or bed shaker systems that will indicate smoke in the home.
Cooking
Cooking fires are the number one cause of home fires and injuries, according to the NFPA. You should never leave food on the stove unattended. If you have to leave the kitchen while cooking something, bring a spoon or other utensil with you to remind you that you have something on the stove or turn the stove off. Keep the stovetop clean and clear of anything that can catch fire. If your clothing catches fire, STOP, DROP & ROLL. Run COOL water over a burn. Do NOT apply butter or ointment to a burn.
Heating
Keep anything that can burn at least three feet away from a heat source like a space heater or fireplace. Don’t purchase a space heater unless it has the label from an independent testing lab such as “UL”, has a tip over switch that will turn off the heater if it is knocked over and a grill to keep flammables away from the heating elements. Remember to turn portable heaters off when leaving the room or going to bed. Have your home heating system and chimney inspected and cleaned, if necessary before the start of the winter.
Smoking
The risk of dying in a home fire caused by smoking increases with age. Be very careful if you or a guest in your home smoke indoors. Dispose of cigarettes in an appropriate ashtray and before you throw away butts and ashes, make sure they are fully extinguished. Dousing them with water or sand is the best way to do that. Avoid smoking in a comfortable chair in case you doze off. NEVER smoke in bed or in a home where medical oxygen is used since the oxygen can cause things to ignite faster more easily and make fires burn at a faster rate.
At Kadan Home Care, our clients’ safety is our highest priority. We will gladly work with clients to develop a fire escape plan, including establishing a meeting place outside the home and review calling 9-1-1 with seniors. Additionally, our team can help test and maintain smoke detectors, prepare meals for clients in advance, reducing the need for the client to use the stove alone, and ensure that the kitchen is clean and no flammable items are near the stove. We can also help check the safety of portable heaters and arrange appointments to have the heating system inspected or the chimney/fireplace cleaned. Kadan Home Care Aides can make sure that ashtrays are large, stable and adequately placed throughout the home. While in the home, we can ensure that cigarettes are disposed of properly and help install smoke detectors in rooms frequently used by smokers. Consider us your partner in creating a safe home.
