Summer is right around the corner. As more people prepare for their trips to the beach, another thing they should stay alert about is fires. The hot weather can quickly become a catalyst for the worst summer fires imaginable, potentially harming people in an area. However, understanding how fires start should make it easier to prevent them. But how do you stop a fire from starting? Here are some ideas.
1. Segregate Flammable Items
Flammable items are everywhere. They sit untouched in people’s homes, cars, and other places they shouldn’t be in. It is essential to segregate these items into one area so homeowners can take care of them. For example, if you have a garage, it’s always worth clearing a separate area to contain flammable liquids and keeping the right sort of fire extinguisher to hand.
If people do not segregate the items in the right areas, they could become a source of fire. It is also helpful to become more mindful of what we throw in skips. Although we consider them trash, some items can still start or worsen a fire. Therefore, always segregate your rubbish to ensure nothing is dangerous enough near fire starters.
2. Keep Fire Starters Away
Fire starters are not only dangerous around kids but also flammable items. They include matches, lighters, candles, clothing, and other things that could start a fire. Remember that children shouldn’t have access to fire starters as they can be too adventurous and curious enough to start a fire.
It’s best to keep fire starters in places where kids can’t reach them, like up the cupboards, above refrigerators, or in spaces where they do not wander, like underneath the sink. Also, prevent children from putting their hands in their mouths after touching fire starters as they can get poisoned.
3. Have Fire Extinguishers Nearby
Having fire extinguishers nearby is a great way to prevent fires. If a fire happens, a fire extinguisher can come in handy. Since they are easy to use, it only takes a few minutes to put out a starting fire, preventing it from spreading to other flammable items.
Fire extinguishers are usually found in the kitchen, but additional fire extinguishers should be located elsewhere in the home. For example, in the garage, on the patio, and in the laundry room area. Having them all around the house should make it easier to grab one in case an emergency happens.
4. Install Smoke Alarms
Once a fire starts, it usually ends up being more significant than expected. Having smoke alarms can help people act fast upon hearing them and prevent the fire from spreading. They also warn everyone near the building that a fire may start anytime soon.
Homeowners can buy smoke alarms that automatically detect smoke anywhere in the house. As a result, they’ll know as soon as the smoke starts to appear. As soon as the fire alarms go off, contacting emergency hotlines is best to ensure nothing worse happens.
5. Prepare a Fire Kit
Fire kits are a great way to prepare for fires. They include different things to use in case of a fire. People should put in fire kits stuff like first aid kits and blankets to cover the victims in fire kits. Also, people should include an evacuation plan in the kit.
A fire kit is a must for a house or office. It teaches people what to do if a fire occurs and the necessary belongings to have at hand. These are just a few of the many ways people can prevent a fire from happening.
Things People Shouldn’t Put in Skips
There are many things that people usually put in skips. Therefore, it is best to be mindful about what you throw away, as most of the time, people throw household items there without realising the danger they can pose to others.
1. Clothing
Clothes such as towels, bed sheets, and curtains are flammable. If they get in a skip, they will likely start a fire. These items come in handy daily and can quickly become dry and dusty. They can easily catch fire from the heat of the sun, a heater, or simply being thrown in. Don’t let these items get in the wrong place.
2. Paper
Paper, especially cardboard boxes, is flammable as well. They are quickly burned when they are thrown in a skip. Imagine a pile of boxes piled in a skip. They can quickly start a fire with the heat of the sun or just the heat generated from the trash. Therefore, make sure that the paper items are not inside the skip.
3. Electronics
The worst part of electronics is their batteries. Most things we use these days have batteries for them to function, however, if batteries are thrown into the skip, they can potentially short and start a fire. As a result, batteries should not be thrown into a skip.
4. Construction Materials
Construction materials like metal, wood, and wires are always flammable. Never allow them in the skip, as these materials will only cause the fire to spread. Even more, the heat from the sun during summer can cause these items to catch fire when left alone outside. Therefore, keep them in shaded spots or wait for garbage collectors and hand them over personally.
5. Paint
Paint cans and paint tubes can be flammable. It is essential to throw away paint cans and tubes properly. Some recycling centers accept them as they can safely dispose of them after cleaning out the products left in their canisters. Never allow the cans and tubes to get in the skip, together with other flammable items.
Conclusion
Understanding the risks and causes of fire is essential to prevent them from happening. It helps people be more cautious about what they do and do not do. Being more aware of the things we do can help us lessen the problems we could potentially encounter. In addition, it allows people to be more communicative about what they do so people can understand the risks. Knowing how to prevent fires is a great way to live a safer life.
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