We rarely think about house fires, until they happen to us or someone we know. Fortunately, you can reduce the risk posed by home fires to your family and even some of your belongings.
1. Have a Fire Safety Plan Ready
The first place to start is to have a predetermined plan for you and your family if a fire does start.
Ultimately you have two options: stay and defend or immediately leave. Your escape plan, according to the Western Australia Department of Fire and Emergency Services, should involve every member of the household and include the following factors for planning:
- Plan for two ways to get out of every room, if possible.
- Decide on a safe place outside the home for all to meet in the event of a fire.
- Make sure security doors can be unlocked quickly from the inside.
- Plan on how to evacuate householders who are very young, elderly, or have special needs.
- Consider an escape route for your pets.
- Draw an escape plan on paper, discuss it with your household and practise it often.
Definitely make sure that children understand the fire escape plan, how to remove any deadbolts or window locks and practice it regularly.
2. Fire Resistant Safes Protect Your Valuables
No safe offers complete fireproof protection, but you can get different levels of fire resistance depending on what you store inside.
Metals such as gold and silver, of course, will survive fairly high temperatures. Documents and cash will remain safe up to 175 degrees while data storage devices, CDs, and other plastic and high-tech objects should not be exposed to temperatures above 50 degrees.
While the number of times valuables are protected varies, most safes range between 30 to 60 minutes of protection, although more expensive products can protect for longer.
For further advice on the type of fireproof safe that is right for you, speak to our experienced Perth locksmiths.
3. Check Your Smoke Alarm Regularly
While it sometimes seems that a smoke detector’s main job lies in letting you know that you have burned food on the stove or oven, smoke detectors serve as your crucial first line of defence against fire and smoke.
Smoke inhalation will kill long before the fire actually gets to the victim and a smoke alarm may be the only thing waking you up in time.
Make sure you check to make sure the alarm is working on a monthly basis.
4. Install Fire Egress security windows
Screens or bars on windows can add to your peace of mind and a burglar’s difficulties. After all, Australia sees over 200,000 break-ins per year.
A well-made barrier can make unlawful entry nearly impossible, but could also create a deadly barrier during a house fire. Perth area residents can find the latest in the security screen door and security window screen technology composed of marine-grade steel, which also allows for easy exit in the event of a fire emergency.
To get the best possible results, look for screens composed of the revolutionary Amplimesh stainless steel, which is also resistant to ember attacks during a fire.
A fire in the home can destroy lives in a matter of minutes, but planning and preparation will reduce the risk to people and property. Make sure you have a plan and home products designed to help instead of hinder. For more information on how the right security screen doors and windows can help keep you and your family secure, speak to one of our security experts today.
