How to Ensure Your Home is Fire Safe

The outbreak of a fire is devastating for any homeowner and the cost can be great, in terms of both money and the emotional toll that it takes on you and your family. Depending on the severity of the fire, it may be weeks or months before your home is fit for habitation, not to mention the cost of repairs and the potential loss of sentimental and important items. 

Fires are relatively rare, but it’s still important to ensure that your home is as protected as possible. If you’ve recently moved to a new property or want to increase the safety in your current home, read on to find out how you can ensure your home is fire safe. 

The majority of homes already have smoke detectors in place, but if you’re looking for extra security, it’s best to fit a full fire alarm system. There should be a smoke detector on each level of your home, ideally in a prominent place like the hall or stairwell. If your home is on the larger side then you should install a fire alarm too; these are triggered when the smoke detectors are activated and will ensure that the alarm goes off across the entire building. 

Avoid overloading your electrical sockets (for example by using lots of extension cords) as this can lead to overheating and potential fire hazards. You should also regularly inspect plugs to ensure there’s no faulty wiring or loose parts. 

It might sound a bit dramatic, but planning an escape route can make all the difference in the event of a fire. Come up with a plan together as a family or household and ensure that everyone is on the same page. It’s also a good idea to keep a set of keys by the front or back door so you can easily exit in an emergency. 

If you’ve recently installed an open fire (or haven’t lit your fire in a long time) you should always check your chimney before doing so. You should arrange for your chimney to be professionally swept before lighting a fire, as a build up of creosote can pose a serious fire hazard. 

If you’re looking for fire alarm installation or maintenance for your home, get in touch with the experts at Ace Fire and Security. Based in Plymouth, we’re equipped to serve the entire South West area and our team is on hand 24/7 for all your fire alarm maintenance needs. All of our systems are serviced in accordance with current regulations and we also hold the following accreditations: IFEDA, BAFE. For more information about any of our installation or maintenance services, give us a call today or visit our website.