Hello, there! I have a guest article for you on fire prevention. Buying a home is one of the biggest purchases you will ever make. The U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) wants to help you make your new home safer from the fire. Follow USFA's fire safety tips to protect your investment and your family.
Fire is fast, hot and deadly. It only takes minutes for the thick black smoke to fill a house. A smoke alarm can give you the extra minute or two you need to get out of your home.
Have working smoke alarms on every level, including the basement. Put smoke alarms inside each bedroom and outside all sleeping areas. Push the test button until the alarm sounds. Do this each month. Interconnected smoke alarms provide the best protection. When one smoke alarm sounds they all sound.
Half of home fire deaths happen late at night. A working smoke alarm can wake you up. Every second counts, so know what you'll do if you have a fire. Make an escape plan. Know two ways out of each room. Plan your escape around the abilities of children and older adults.
Electrical problems are a leading cause of home fires. Start off right in your new home. Plug major appliances like refrigerators and stoves directly into the wall outlet. Only plug one heat-producing appliance into an outlet at a time. This includes coffee makers, space heaters, and microwaves. If you need additional outlets, have them installed by an electrician.
Extension cords are for temporary use only. Keep all cords out of foot traffic but don't run them under carpets or rugs. Throw away cracked, frayed or damaged electrical cords before you move.
For additional home fire safety information, visit USFA online at https://www.usfa.fema.gov/prevention/. Follow USFA on Twitter at @USfire and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/usfire.