October is synonymous with many of fall’s most beloved pastimes: corn mazes, pumpkin carving, and American football are just a few! However, this month is also important for another very different reason. Each October, we celebrate National Fire Prevention Month by raising awareness of all the best practices to keep your property safe in the event of an unexpected fire. Below, we drop 4 popular tips for how to celebrate National Fire Prevention Month this October.
Take Inventory of Your Fire Hazards
There are likely more fire hazards in your home than you may realize. Household appliances, heating systems, and even electrical outlets can spark an unlikely blaze. However, what can make matters much worse are the other materials in your home that can allow a fire to spread, like papers and fabrics. Take your first step towards fire safety by taking inventory of every fire hazard in your home.
Reduce Your Risk of Fire
Routine maintenance may seem mundane, but it does more for your fire safety than may be immediately obvious. There are many areas of a property that must be checked and cleaned routinely so that fire hazards are removed. For example, consider the lint tray in laundry dryers. If not emptied, then they can catch fire and cause an even larger catastrophe. Make sure that all flammable items are a safe distance away from sources of heat.
Check Your Detectors
Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors both play a valuable part in fire safety. Smoke detectors will alert you as soon as they pick up on traces of smoke, and carbon monoxide detectors will let you know if your property has a dangerous amount of gas. At the very least, you should be checking your detectors twice a year – if not more – to ensure that they are still functioning correctly.
Prepare Your Plan Ahead of Time
No one wants to wait until they are faced with a devastating fire before realizing that they have no emergency plan. When you don’t prepare today, then you are only setting yourself up for disaster tomorrow if a fire were to occur. Make sure that you and all applicable individuals know exactly where to go and what to do in the event of a fire. Then, once you have your plan, try practicing it at least twice a year to keep that information fresh in your mind.
There is no time like the present to study up on fire prevention. Please consider following these tips and joining us as we spread awareness of fire safety so that your property can always be kept safe.
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