There are plenty of things you can do to stop a fire before it starts. We’ve gathered five tips to help protect your home, without having to open your wallet. Continue reading to learn more…

Test your smoke alarms regularly. The easiest way to avoid a house fire is by checking your smoke alarms regularly. On most smoke alarms, a small button will beep when you press it. If it beeps faintly, then you will need to replace the batteries as soon as possible.

 

 

Keep your stove and oven clean. Kitchens are the most common place for house fires. To prevent this type of fire, don’t leave food particles on the burner, or anything flammable near the stove or oven. It’s also important to keep your cooking surfaces clean and free of debris, especially if heating elements are exposed.

 

 

Inspect all your heating sources. If your heating sources are not working properly, you might be at risk of a house fire. Have your heating sources checked annually by a professional, to safeguard your home! If you use space heaters, it’s important to position them away from anything flammable.

 

Maintain all cords. Before you plug something in, make sure the cord has not been damaged. If you do notice frayed wires, replace them as soon as possible as it may become a fire hazard. You should also pay attention to your cord placement. Cords have a tendency to heat up, so you should avoid running them between your wall and furniture or under a rug.

 

Practice caution with candles. Scented candles are a great way to freshen up your home…but if you don’t use them carefully, they could cause a fire. Be sure to put them out before you exit a room, and keep them far away from blankets or other flammable objects. You should never put them on an uneven surface like carpet or furniture, because it’s too easy for them to tip over. If you have pets or small children, make sure that lit candles stay out of their reach.

 

 

Know how to properly use a fire extinguisher. Fire extinguishers are the most common safety tool to help keep your home and family safe! Do you know how to use it properly? Click here for a comprehensive article concerning fire extinguisher safety, from safety.com!