Prevent fires in the home

How many times have we witnessed tragic stories related to a fire at home ? In less than we imagine, a spark can change the life of a whole family. According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency of the United States (FEMA), during the day, most home fires occur in the kitchen while food is being prepared. Since there is usually a person present, they are often extinguished without further damage.

However, the common cause of fires during the night is carelessness with cigarette butts. cigarettes , sparks from chimneys without protection screens or by heating appliances placed too close to furniture or other flammable materials. These fires are particularly dangerous since they can burn for a long time before the inhabitants of the house wake up.

Health and home fires

Most of the victims of a fire are killed by smoke and poisonous gases , and not by the flames. The fire releases poisonous gases that can spread rapidly and claim victims while they sleep, without ever realizing the fire. Even if they wake up, the effects of those gases can confuse them, delay their reactions and prevent their escape. This is why it is crucial to have a smoke alarm, so that everyone can escape in a timely manner, before their ability to think and move is affected.

Nearly half of the people who die each year from a fire in the home are preschoolers or adults 65 years of age or older. In addition, there are people with physical, mental or emotional handicaps.

 

Tips for the prevention of home fires

 

  • Before leaving home, verify that the keys of the stove they are closed.
  • Do not leave the iron on When the phone rings, someone knocks on the door or someone in the family complains. Whenever you have to answer another question while ironing, do not forget to unplug the appliance.
  • When cooking, open windows and doors to create a double circulation; A current of air can turn off the stove without you noticing, and keep getting gas. Any spark can cause a fire.
  • There are cleaning products that are flammable (the aerosols, turpentine, alcohol ), and should be away from heat sources (kitchen and stoves) and children.
  • Do not leave rags near kitchen stoves.
  • If you suspect or feels gas smell , do not turn on the light, this will prevent a spark from starting a fire. Better ventilate the room.
  • Do not smoke in bed, You can fall asleep with the cigarette lit. Verify that all cigarettes are properly turned off before emptying the ashtray.
  • Keep the stove burners clean of debris.
  • The electrical installation must be in good condition for avoid short circuits , a periodic review is convenient. The connections in the same plug cause overloads in the installation and short circuits.
  • In case of a electric fire, Do not try to extinguish the fire with water, do not handle electrical appliances with wet or bare ground.
  • Do not allow your children to play with lighters or matches. Explain the dangers of fire.  


Video Medicine: How to Prevent Home Kitchen Fires : Home Safety (March 2024).