No matter whether you are at home, at work, or camping in the great outdoors, fire prevention practices should be a daily part of your life. It is easy to forget about taking certain safety precaution measures. The moments of forgetfulness are often those same moments when a damaging fire can occur.
It is important to develop good habits around your home in the area of safety and fire prevention. In most families, cooking is an every day experience. Something that is so normal and even mundane can quickly become a serious issue if someone is not paying close attention. A good way to start with fire prevention in your home is in your kitchen. Make the decision to develop good cooking habits, such as unplugging appliances immediately after use, keeping an eye on things as they bake in the oven or simmer on the stovetop, and by always using potholders and oven mitts anytime you touch anything warm…it could be more hot than you think!
Though your home is often your number one priority when it comes to fire safety, you still need to consider fire prevention at your workplace as well. Depending on your job and place of work, prevention practices will vary. For example, if you work in an office, you will have to think differently about fire prevention practices than a restaurant or hotel manager. Good rules of thumb to go by could include unplugging computers, coffeemakers, or construction tools once you are done using them, or even keeping a fire extinguisher and a smoke detector in each room or on each floor of the workplace. Of course, there are regulations for workplaces; check up and see what your county or state fire requirements are for your place of work to ensure they are up to standard.
Besides pitching a tent, building a fire is one of the first things people do when they set up their campsite. Fires are used for cooking, warmth, and the cozy atmosphere. When you go camping, be sure to be aware of the campsite’s fire regulations. Be sure to practice basic fire prevention, such as building and digging a fire pit correctly (if there isn’t one in place already), clearing the brush around the fire within 5 feet, making sure there are no overhanging branches over the fire, leaving no fire left unattended, and so forth.
If you make the effort to establish good fire prevention practices no matter where you are, you (and others) will surely reap the benefits. Fires often occur when people do not pay attention and simply forget about fire safety. Being careless is a difficult way to lose your home or job, not to mention fires can ruin people financially and emotionally. If you are concerned about your fire prevention practices, contact your local fire department (the non-emergency number!) and ask about prevention tips in the home or workplace. They will be happy to assist you, and it will be well worth the call. It is always a good idea to keep a fire extinguisher in your kitchen, and be sure to replace your smoke detector’s batteries as soon as they begin to dim. Best of wishes as you practice fire prevention!