How To Prevent Home Fires

Fall brings cooler weather to the Midwest, which means breaking out the heating equipment, starting a fire in your fireplace, and gathering inside for home-cooked meals during the holidays. We’ve listed our top fire safety reminders to help prevent home fires this season.

CHANGE BATTERIES IN SMOKE DETECTORS

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) reports that November through March are the months where home structure fires are the most common.

It is important to remember to change the batteries in all electrician-installed smoke detectors and other wireless safety devices every six months. The perfect time to do this is on Daylight Saving Begin and End weekends.

Other facts:

• Smoke detectors should be installed inside every sleeping room, outside each separate sleeping area, and on every level. Large homes may need extra smoke detectors.
• They should also be connected so when one sounds, they all sound.
• People who are hard-of-hearing or deaf can use special alarms, like strobe lights and bed shakers.

HOME HEATING SAFETY

The NFPA says that the number one cause of home fire deaths are due to home heating.

• Keep all flammable items three or more feet from fireplaces, wood-burning stoves, and other heating equipment.
• Remember to turn portable heaters off when leaving the room or going to bed.
• Use a professional to inspect and clean your chimney every year before starting a fire.
• Make sure your fireplace has a sturdy screen to stop sparks from flying into the room. Ashes should be cool before putting them in a metal container, and keep the container a safe distance away from your home.
• Install wood burning stoves following manufacturer’s instructions or have a professional do the installation. All fuel-burning equipment should be vented to the outside to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning.

KITCHEN FIRES

Don’t leave your cooking unattended! With an average of 470 daily fires, cooking is the leading cause of home fires and home fire injuries.

• Make sure you stay in the kitchen while you are frying, boiling, grilling, or broiling food.
• If you are simmering, baking, or roasting food, check it regularly, remain in the home while food is cooking, and use a timer to remind you that you are cooking.
• Thanksgiving is the leading day for home fires involving cooking equipment with more than 3 times the average number!
• If you have a small grease cooking fire, smother the flames by sliding a lid over the pan and turning off the burner. For an oven fire, turn off the heat and keep the door closed.

ATRONIC ALARMS FIRE PROTECTION

Atronic Alarms can install smoke and heat sensors that are connected and contact the monitoring station immediately when a fire is detected.

This addition does NOT increase your monitoring, would decrease damage expenses to your home, and might be a matter of life or death to your family or pets while you are away.

Additionally, Atronic Alarms fire devices are always on, even if your alarm system is disarmed. (Note: Devices must be in good working order and communicating with our monitoring station.)

Please contact your branch office with questions! And as always:

Be Sure. Be Secure.

The Atronic Alarms Team