Fire safety for your family.
"Fires start when a flammable and/or a combustible material, in combination with a sufficient quantity of an oxidizer such as oxygen gas or another oxygen-rich compound (though non-oxygen oxidizers exist that can replace oxygen), is exposed to a source of heat or ambient temperature above the flash point for the fuel/oxidizer mix, and is able to sustain a rate of rapid oxidation that produces a chain reaction." (Wikipedia, 2010)
This means that items that are very hot mixed with stuff that are flammable is the reason that fires start. Follow these simple, inexpensive tips to prevent fires occurring in your own home;
1. Cigarettes. Ensure that all cigarettes are stubbed out. It is also very important to never smoke if you are feeling tired. Fires in the home are still largely started by cigarettes.
2. Cooking. Always dry food before placing it in the hot oil, otherwise it will cause it to boil over the sides of the pan. Make sure the cooker and hobs etc are turned off after cooking it is best to turn it off at the wall. Do NOT put anything that is made (or features) metal in the microwave. Like smoking, it is obviously important not to fall asleep when cooking!
3. Clothes. Keep all clothing away from naked flames and also excessive heat.
4. Wardrobes. Similarly, make sure clothes do not come into contact with light bulbs even wardrobe lights.
5. Switch off electrical equipment. Don’t leave lights on when you go to bed or leave the house. Also switch off any appliances that are not in use.
6. Do not overload sockets. Electrical sockets risk overheating if they are overloaded. Never fiddle with electrical appliances or sockets unless you are a qualified electrician.
These basic techniques should prevent a fire in your home and also save you money on your electricity bill!
Installing a working smoke alarm on every level of your home is highly recommended, as although these measures shown above should prevent a fire in your home, a smoke detector could potentially save your life if a fire does occur in your home.
