Fire Prevention Tips for Summer 2022

Fires are more common in the summer, as it’s the time when leaves and branches dry out and become more flammable. The warm weather can also push mechanical and electrical equipment and appliances to overheat and fail, leading to fires. In fact, fire incidents in the first few months of 2022 increased by almost 13% compared to last year, according to the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP).

Like any disaster, the best way to deal with household fires is to prevent them. Here’s how to keep your Elisa Homes property safe from such problems this summer. 

Keep Your Electrical System in Good Condition

According to a recent report by the BFP, electrical issues have consistently been the leading cause of fires in the metro in recent years. It’s responsible for more than 50% of fires every year. 

An essential precaution you can take to avoid electrical fires is to unplug appliances that are not in use. This minimizes the chance of these devices and machines catching fire due to sudden electrical or mechanical failures. 

Another way to protect your appliances from electrical failures is to use surge protectors. These work by absorbing excess electricity from overloaded outlets, lighting strikes, and power outages. That way, your appliances and electronic devices are protected from damage. 

It also helps to do a basic inspection of your wiring and outlets. If your sockets generate orange sparks when you plug something in, they may be damaged or worn out. Electrical shocks from your appliances may also be a sign of faulty wiring. Call an inspector immediately to fix these issues before they turn into electrical fires.

Maintain a Safe Kitchen

The kitchen is a high-risk area when it comes to fires. After all, it’s where you store various cooking oils and alcohol. It’s also where your liquid petroleum gas (LPG) tanks are located if you use a gas stove. All these materials can easily catch fire if you’re not careful. Avoid this issue by taking the necessary precautions:

• Don’t leave the kitchen when you’re frying, broiling, or grilling food. If you’re baking anything, make sure to stay at home and keep an eye on the oven.
• Keep the stove area clean and free of flammable materials like grease, towels, and potholders.
• Never use water to put out a grease fire. It will only make the problem worse. Keep a Class B fire extinguisher in your kitchen for these situations.
• Turn off your LPG valve when not in use. Have it inspected regularly to ensure it isn’t leaking. 

Declutter Your Home

Clutter isn’t just an eyesore. It’s also a major fire hazard. Boxes, clothes, and magazines can easily pick up and spread fire. Decluttering, especially in areas like the kitchen, can minimize the chances of a fire spreading rapidly throughout your house. 

Install Smoke Alarms

You’re not always awake or at home to attend to a possible fire in your home. This is where smoke alarms become invaluable. These devices detect excessive smoke and notify you through a loud alarm. Many smoke detectors can also trigger your indoor sprinklers in the event of a fire. Some high-tech devices can even inform you and the authorities digitally if it detects smoke. 

The intense summer heat can trigger or worsen fires. Fortunately, you can take various preventive measures to avoid such a disaster. With a well-maintained electrical system, proper cooking and cleaning habits, and a quality smoke detector, you drastically reduce your chances of falling victim to a house fire.