Every homeowner’s main priority is to keep the property safe. It is important to be prepared for emergencies and disasters. House fires are a frightening possibility, but you can take steps to prevent them. Here are a few tips for fire safety in the home.

Install Smoke Detectors

Smoke detectors are the most important safety essentials. If a fire starts in your home, a functioning smoke detector will alert your family so that everyone can get out in time. Every floor of the house and each bedroom should have a smoke detector. Test the devices monthly and replace the batteries twice a year.

Fire Safety in the Home: Take Care of Your Chimney

If you use your fireplace or wood stove, creosote build-up in your chimney can lead to a fire. Only use dry, seasoned wood that will burn cleanly. This will help prevent the build-up of flammable creosote on the inside of your flue. Have your chimney swept every year.

Use Care With Candles

Candles smell nice and look lovely, but they’re also one of the most common causes of fire in the home. Keep flames at least 3 feet away from flammable materials. Extinguish all candles before leaving the house or going to bed.

Cook With Fire Safety in Mind

This is perhaps the hardest home fire safety tip to follow because it’s easy to get distracted while cooking. The kids may want attention or the dog may need to go out, but stay focused when preparing food. Keep anything flammable away from the burners, and never leave the room while the stove or oven is in use.

Make an Escape Plan to Practice Fire Safety in the Home

In the unlikely event of a fire, an escape plan is essential to getting your family out safely. Choose a meeting place a safe distance away from the house and designate a person to look out for small children and pets.

American Dream Home Inspections provides inspection services for homes, condos, and townhouses throughout Northern and Central New Jersey. Contact us to schedule an appointment.