Fires can happen anytime, and studies show that our home’s heating during colder months may increase the possibilities even more. But there are also a lot of summer activities that can cause an accident. While we can never have 100 percent control over everything, there are plenty of safety measures and precautions we can take to lessen the likelihood of fire accidents. Here are some key fire prevention tips as summer approaches.
Take safety measures when doing an outdoor barbecue
Summer is the perfect time to make the most out of your backyard, and outdoor cooking and barbecue are always a wonderful way to bring your family and friends together. However, when done improperly, a backyard barbecue might be a fire hazard that can endanger those cooking and everyone in the immediate vicinity. Here are some backyard barbecue safety measures to remember:
- Don’t set up your cooking station near plants and trees.
- Keep a safe distance from the cooking station.
- Read the fine print on the grill or cooking station you bought. Make sure you know the ins and outs of running it.
- Avoid leaving anything cooking unattended. If you need to be somewhere else, ask someone to operate the station at all times, especially when something is burning on the grill.
- Keep children and pets away from the barbecue area or anything hot they can touch or play with.
- Don’t wear loose clothing around the grill or cooking station. Avoid flowy dresses and loose clothing that can catch fire.
Watch out for backyard fires
While you’re at it, watch out for backyard fires in general, especially during the 4th of July. Fireworks and bonfires may be pretty, but they can be obvious culprits for backyard and outdoor fires. Make sure to follow the guidelines for safe storage and light them up as safely as possible.
Have your cooling systems inspected
When was the last time you’ve had your air-conditioning (AC) system repaired, inspected, or cleaned? Experts warn that when temperatures rise, our home’s neglected AC units can become fire hazards because they can become overheated and overworked. If there are electrical issues that remained undetected, they can cause the unit to alight and combust. That’s why it’s crucial to have experts inspect your AC unit, especially when summer comes, and it has to work overtime because our untrained eyes may not always detect when there’s a problem. AC specialists can help save not just your unit but also your home and your life.
Make sure your smoke detectors are in tip-top shape
Here are some tips to ensure that your home’s smoke detectors are working the way they should:
- Test them regularly, at least once a month. The rest will vary from one model to another, but a standard smoke detector will always have a button on its face. Press that button and wait for the alarm to go off. You can also ask your partner, kids, or housemates to listen for the alarm in other areas of your home. It won’t matter if the smoke detectors are working if the house’s occupants can’t hear it.
- Change the batteries when needed. When you hear a chirp every few minutes, don’t ignore it. It’s a signal that the detector’s battery is running low.
- Make a habit of changing your smoke detectors every ten years. Just like anything in the world, smoke detectors can wear and tear, and you always want to ensure that your home’s smoke detectors are always in their best shape.
Plan a fire exit strategy with your family
It’s not about being alarmist; it’s about being ready for anything at all times. There’s a reason why commercial buildings often have fire drills for their occupants, and applying that same safety measure might help save you and your family’s life. Here are some strategies you can employ:
- Develop at least two escape routes in every room of the house. Do some practical drills at least two times a year. Use a stopwatch to time you and your family’s escape route so that they know the plan, don’t give in to panic, and know how long it must take to be able to leave the house in case of a fire.
- Identify one meeting place for you and your family in case you get separated at any point.
- If you have young kids, make sure they always have emergency contacts and know how to dial 911.
- Ensure every room of the house has a working fire extinguisher, and teach your kids how to use them. You can also invest in some fire-safe emergency kits.
When it comes to fire safety, it’s always better safe than sorry. Practice these steps to protect you and your family this summer.
Meta title: How to Prevent Fire during Summer
meta desc: Fires can happen anytime, but warmer summers might increase their possibility. Here are some key fire prevention tips as summer approaches.
