Keeping your home safe from fire is one of those core human concerns, but fireproofing is one of those things you don’t think about until it’s too late. The good news? You can take specific steps to upgrade each room in your home to make it as fire-safe as possible. This guide solidifies why fireproofing upgrades should be done in every homeroom, from the kitchen to the bedrooms, so you can have peace of mind knowing your home is prepared for the unexpected.
Table of Contents
Living Room: Cozy but Cautious
In essence, the living room is considered the heart of the home; however, it may also often serve as a fire risk and a common source of fire hazards regarding fireplaces, electronics, and lighting.
Upgrades and Tips:
- Fireplace Screen: A sturdy-looking screen or glass door will help keep sparks and embers contained within the fireplace.
- Smoke Detector Placement: Ensure a smoke detector in the living room is positioned away from any heating or cooling vents and windows that may create a distraction that would hamper detection.
Kitchen: The Leading Cause of House Fires
As kitchen fires are the leading cause of home fires, the kitchen is rather or should be first on the list concerning fireproofing.
Upgrade and Tips:
- Accessibility of Fire Extinguisher: Keep the fire extinguisher within reach and ensure everyone in your house knows how to use it.
- Use Fire-Resistant Materials: Consider heat-resistant and fire-retardant surface materials for countertops and backsplashes. Metal and stone surface materials are naturally fire-resistant and add style.
Bedrooms: Fireproofing to Ensure Safety and Sound Sleep
The bedrooms should be appropriately fireproofed to get out quickly and easily, particularly at night.
Upgrades and Tips:
- Fire-Resistant Mattresses and Bedding: Replace bedding and mattresses with flame-resistant materials. An advantage to this is that wool and some treated cotton options have a bit more stamina in a fire than synthetic fabrics.
- Upper Floor Escape Ladders: If some bedrooms are on the second floor or higher, store collapsible fire escape ladders under windows.
Basement: Furnace, Laundry, and Storage Safety
The basement commonly houses storage areas for washing, drying, and heating machinery- all three with their peculiar fire hazards.
Upgrades and Tips:
- Fire-resistant storage containers: Storage items should be in metal or fire-resistant plastic containers to contain a small fire that may occur.
Garage: Highly Flammable and Fire Hazardous Objects
Safety precautions are necessary as garages contain fuel, tools, and equipment that are highly hazardous to fire.
Upgrades and Tips:
- Store Fuel and Chemicals Safely: Gasoline, oil, and grease must be stored in approved, properly marked containers. Keep them away from sources of heat.
- Install a Heat Detector: Unlike smoke alarms, heat detectors respond to rapid temperature increases, which are more likely in a garage setting. These detectors will not create false alarms from dust and vehicle exhaust.
Hallways and Exits: Provide a Means of Safe Passage
Fireproofing doesn’t stop at the level of individual rooms but extends to hallways and exit paths, which provide quick access to safe areas in case of evacuation.
Upgrades and Tips:
- Install exit signs or emergency lighting: Battery-operated emergency lights, especially in big homes, or even glowing signs, will help lead you out safely in case of a power outage.
- Keep Exits Clear: Pathways, more so exits, should not have any obstruction that might lead to tripping in case of evacuation.
Fireproofing your home, room by room is the active approach to creating a safer place. While making your home fireproof sounds, breaking this down by each room is manageable and well worth the calm of mind this gives you. Your goal is setting up your home for safety; thus, following these guidelines helps accomplish just that for you and your family.