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When Fireproofing Your Home

You must think about where fires begin when fireproofing your home. Fires within the home often begin in one place and spread throughout the house. The speed at which it spreads is highly dependent on the materials at the source of the fire and how resistant they may be. A lot of damage can be contained by limiting the fire to one area to enable it to be put out quickly. This can be achieved by ensuring a good fireproof system is in place.

portable, outdoor fire pitSource: Flickr
Remember the causes that can create a fire in your home.

The following tips can aid in reducing the fire damage in your home:

  • Insulate electrical wiring with concrete which is highly resistant to fires, notably up to four hours. Cellulose insulation is resistant to fire and eco friendly too.
  • Use fire resistant roof materials like slate and siding like fiber cement
  • Install fire resistant windows and doors. They can be triple pane windows or customized fire resistant that reflects heat away. Use hollow metal doors as well as wooden pressure treated doors.
  • Have a sprinkler system in place as your first line of defense before the fire brigade arrives.
  • Do not keep excess stuff as it only fuels the fire. Donate to charity or give to the needy.
  • Use infused bamboo instead of candles.
  • Always check out smoke detectors are in good order and have all household members familiarize with the fire drill.
  • Do not overload the electrical accessories.

The home should also be fireproofed on the outside by ensuring that:

  • All furniture on the patio is fireproofed by having it treated with a fire retardant
  • Barbecues should be away from bushes. Also, put out the barbeque coals completely
  • Have a fire extinguisher on the outside
  • Monitor any fireworks, sparks can ignite neighboring flammable materials

Precautions to prevent potential fires:

  • Do not smoke while in bed
  • not have heaters near flammable materials
  • Do not dry clothes with the heater
  • Avoid using the extension cords together with portable heaters
  • Ensure that heaters are off when not in use
  • Ashtrays should be far away from sofa arms
  • Never leave unattended cigarettes burning
  • Refrain from cooking while wearing sleeves that can dangle near burners
  • Do not let grease accumulate in the oven
  • Never overload electrical outlets
  • Avoid curtains hanging near any source that can trigger fire
  • Always check that the kitchen is in order before sleeping; the stove is off and the oven as well