SOME BORROWED WISDOM ON BASIC FIRE SAFETY

Fire safety begins with individual awareness. The internet is a great source for common people to learn about fire safety and personal safety.

According to the American Red Cross, 80% of Americans don’t realize that home fires are the single most common disaster across the nation. In India too, ignorance about fire safety has claimed many lives. Recently, we celebrated Diwali and while the occasion was joyous many tragic fire accidents did occur with losses of life and property.  

As part of National Fire Prevention Week, Texas based safetyresources.com shared 10 easy ways you can prevent a fire. Not all these may be relevant to India but some pointers will hit home.

1.  Blow out candles before leaving a room or going to bed.

2.  When cooking, keep towels, pot holders and curtains away from flames.  

3.  Keep matches, lighters and other ignitable substances in a secured location out of the reach of children, and only use lighters with child-resistant features.

4.  Hire a certified professional to inspect your chimney and heating equipment annually

5.  Keep fire in your fireplace by using a glass or metal fire screen large enough to catch sparks and rolling logs.

6.  Have wood and coal stoves, fireplaces, chimneys, and furnaces professionally inspected and cleaned once a year.

7.  Keep candles at least 12 inches away from anything that can burn such as bedding, curtains or clothing.

8.  Clean cooking surfaces on a regular basis to prevent grease build up.

9.  Always check the kitchen before going to bed or leaving the home to make sure all stoves, ovens and small appliances are turned off.

10. Keep all potential sources of fuel like paper, clothing, bedding or rugs at least three feet away from space heaters, stoves, or fireplaces.