Fire Safety Tips

Did you have the slightest idea that fire alone causes over 300,000 deaths every year? Fire-related deaths rank among the 15 leading causes of death among children and young adults lying between 5-29 years. In addition to those who die, millions more are left with lifelong disabilities and disfigurements, often with resulting stigma and rejection. You would be surprised to know that an overwhelming number of fire accidents occur in the home itself. There are time-tested ways to prevent and survive a fire. It is not a question of luck, but actually a matter of careful planning and execution of presence of mind. Once started, a fire can rage out of control. So, the best bet is to protect yourself and your family from this frightful hazard. Accidents caused by fire can be fatal and you should take every possible step to prevent its outbreak. This article will provide you with some helpful fire safety tips for home, office and public places.

Fire Safety And Prevention Tips

Safety Tips for Home

Every home should have at least one working smoke alarm. Install it on every level of your home and double your chances of survival!
Do not overload circuits and extension cords. It is advisable to immediately switch off and unplug appliances that sputter and spark or when they emit a foul smell. Make haste before it is too late. Later, make sure you have them professionally repaired or replaced.
Fuses and circuit breakers are meant to protect you from fire. Tampering with the fuse box or using a fuse of an improper size spells nothing, but danger.
When you are using electrical appliances, always follow the manufacturer's safety precautions. Make sure you never forget to unplug appliances when not in use. Using safety caps to cover all unused outlets is another smart way to keep the fire at bay.
If you have portable space heaters at your place, carefully keep them at a distance of at least 3 feet away from household items that have a possibility of catching fire. Keep children and pets well away from them.
Your cooking area should be clear of combustibles. Do not ever leave cooking unattended. Double check to see whether you have turned off the burner, when your dish is complete
Always remember that a match is a tool for adults only. Store them up high where children can't reach. Also, teach your kids from the start that matches and lighters are not meant to be played with.
If the unfortunate happens and your clothes catch fire, do not panic. Stop where you are, drop to the ground, and roll over and over to smother the flames.

Safety Tips For Office

If your office building catches fire, listen carefully for instructions over the building emergency public address system.
Evacuate quickly while keeping your calm following the building emergency evacuation plan. Stampeding is a strict no-no.
Do not use an elevator while evacuating a burning building.
Remember to crawl low under the thick layer of smoke to breathe cleaner air.
Once you’ve evacuated safely, your first task would be to report to the designated gathering place and make your presence known.
Do not try and re-enter the building unless specially instructed by authorities.

Safety Tips For Public Places

While designing a public building, it should always be kept in mind that it can survive a high occupant load. Buildings with more than 500 square meters per floor should have a minimum of two enclosed-type staircases.
Fire-retardant material must be used for upholstery, interior decoration seats and carpets. Temporary electrical wiring should be carefully avoided while pedestal fans if installed should be connected to 3 pin plugs only.
Smoking should be strictly prohibited within the premises of the public building.
Emergency numbers should be prominently displayed. Moreover, emergency lighting with a proper battery backup as well as auto glow signage should be provided in the exit routes.
Dry transformers are preferred in public places. Moreover, fire extinguishers should be placed and maintained in easily accessible areas all over the building.
The occupants and users of the public building should have a high level of training and awareness to avoid obvious mistakes. Fire drills should be conducted at regular intervals throughout the year.

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