Many parts of the United States are currently experiencing temperature extremes. This heat wave poses a potential hazard to homes and land. Making your property fire safe is one way to protect not only yourself but your neighbors. Step one, that many people do NOT take, is inspecting your smoke detectors regularly and making sure theyre placed according to building codes. Have one in main hallways, bedrooms, and near your fire place or stove. Change the batteries at least every six months.
Step two is obtaining a fire extinguisher one for the kitchen minimally, and potentially one for the garage. Train your family in the correct use of the extinguishers. Note that many local fire departments offer classes in fire safety for free.
If practicable, a home sprinkler system is also a good idea as it protects your property even when youre not home. Most such system are very reliable.
Outside the home various parts of the house remain vulnerable to fire coming from outside. Old roofs, for example, might catch fire from flying sparks. Likewise with any dry ground brush near the home or in your gutters. Keep dead plant matter cleaned away from the house (back at least 30 feet) and gutters clear. Watch tree growth to make certain it doesnt encroach on a chimney. As money allows, begin a step-by-step refurbishing of household materials to ones that offer fire-resistance.
Finally make an emergency plan. No matter how careful the homeowner is, many things can ignite a fire. Have several escape routs out of the house and neighborhood planned and discuss them with all members of the family. Have drills at least twice a year in which you remind people to stay low. Smoke inhalation causes more deaths than fire.
