As one of the most crucial elements in each Orpington home, fire has always been a major cause of concern due to the many risks associated with it. All the homeowners in Orpington would agree that fire safety is an important part of the maintenance of one’s home that should not be overlooked.
Being well acquainted with the frequently occurring causes of fire in Orpington homes and knowing how to avoid them can go a long way in helping to reduce the losses caused by fires and even save people’s lives. This blog shares the details of various fire hazards and steps that need to be taken to protect our homes and loved ones.
If you want to protect your premises from potential fire hazards, connect with Integral Fire Management. We can protect your building passively with new installations and verify that your existing systems are working as designed.
Integral Fire Management will learn your exact needs and meticulously check every system to ensure your home receives the protection it requires.
Call us at 0203 802 4648 or send us an email at info@integralfm.co.uk, and we will get back to you as soon as possible. We offer Fire Protection Services, Passive Fire Protection, Fire Risk Assessment, Asbestos Surveys, Fire Alarm Inspection, Emergency Lighting Testing and PAT Testing.
Following are the most frequent causes of fire in Orpington homes; to avoid such disasters, one should consider the safety measures:
1. Electrical Fires
Electrical fires contribute to about one-third of household fires. They can be caused by worn-out wiring, too many appliances drawing power from a specific circuit or a damaged appliance.
Prevention Tips for Electrical Safety:
- Regular Inspections: You should occasionally employ a proficient electrician to assess the layout of wiring in your home.
- Avoid Overloading Outlets: Ensure there is no overcrowding of sockets or power outlets, especially where extension cords are being used.
- Use Quality Appliances: Check on all electrical appliances, and any wire that shows any signs of wear is replaced immediately.
- Install RCDs: Residual Current Devices (RCDs) are vital as they can help discontinue electrical fires by shutting down the power when a fault is detected.
2. Kitchen Fires
Kitchens are regarded as places with the possibility of fire incidences, especially due to cooking, which is one of the leading causes of home fires.
Prevention Tips for Kitchen:
- Stay Attentive: Never leave cooking oil and flame unattended; avoid using phones while cooking as well.
- Keep Flammable Objects Away: Explosive or combustible substances, such as kitchen towels, papers, and curtains, should not be placed close to the stove.
- Clean Regularly: Clean your cooking surfaces regularly because build-up grease can ignite easily.
- Use a Timer: If you are the type of person who can easily lose track of time while cooking, it is advisable to set an alarm to keep you reminded.
3. Heating Device Hazards
During the cold season, the use of heating appliances rises, and this makes fires common in the winter season if the correct precaution is not followed.
Prevention Tips for Heating Device Safety:
- Maintain Heating Equipment: Ensure your heating equipment and chimneys are checked and cleaned at least once a year.
- Use Space Heaters Safely: Space heaters are advised to be placed three feet away from any flammable content and should not be left unattended.
- Install Carbon Monoxide Detectors: These devices can give an indication of high levels of Carbon Monoxide from faulty heaters, heater boilers etc.
Safety Measures for Orpington Houses
Install Smoke and Fire Alarms
Install Alarms on Every Level and check if smoke alarms are installed not only on each floor of your house but also in bedrooms and outside them. Always remember to check on your smoke alarms every month and change their batteries after every year. Smoke alarms should be replaced every ten years so that they are properly working and are effective in alerting the residents of the house.
Risk Assessment
By conducting an initial home fire risk assessment, it is possible to reveal possible danger factors and the requirements for modification. Identify areas of fire ignition sources, including electrical propulsion, flammable substances, and unhygienic environments. Ensure that every family member is fully aware of the improper use of ways of preventing fires.
Emergency Planning
You should have an effective plan in the case of fire incidents. Develop a clear evacuation plan so that household occupants are aware of the different routes available to escape from the house. Select, in advance, a safe assembly point, which will be a place other than your house where all of you can go after getting out of the house during a fire.
Keep Emergency Numbers Handy
Make sure that numbers in case of emergencies are written down in a conspicuous place where everyone at home can read them in case of an emergency.
Call 999 for Emergency services
CONTACT INTEGRAL FIRE MANAGEMENT
Conclusion
This blog covers the most common fire dangers that Orpington homes are exposed to, as well as essential fire prevention measures that can significantly raise the level of fire protection in your house. It is also noteworthy that the preventive measures are on a weekly basis; be attentive and plan well-advanced to avoid disastrous consequences.
Fire prevention is not a one-time thing and should remain important to everyone since preventing severe fire outbreaks is all about not letting the worst happen. Get to know everything about that, so do not neglect its importance and keep your home safe always.
