10 Ways to Make Your Home More Fireproof

When it comes to your home and your family, safety is always your number one priority. This is particularly true when it comes to fire, as a house fire can destroy everything that you hold dear. Luckily, there are many things that you can do in order to make your house more fireproof and to reduce the chances of a fire getting out of control.

#1: Invest in a Fire Extinguisher

Perhaps the single most important thing you can do to make your house more fireproof is to simply invest in a fire extinguisher. Ideally, you should have at least one fire extinguisher in every room of your home, including your basement. In addition, you should have one in your kitchen and anywhere else where fire is used regularly, such as in a den with a fireplace.

#2: Install and Check Smoke Alarms

Another important step you can take in order to make your home safe from fire is to install smoke alarms in your home and to check the batteries in the alarms at least twice per year. This way, you will be alerted quickly if a fire does occur.

#3: Remove Old Clothes and Other Flammable Items

Allowing old flammable items such as clothes, boxes, newspapers and magazines to pile up is a definite fire hazard. So, get rid of these old piles of items in order to reduce your chances of a fire.

#4: Install Fireproof Carpeting

Installing fireproof carpeting will also help reduce the chances of a fire occurring and will slow down the progress of a fire if one does start to develop.

#5: Purchase Fireproof Furniture

If your furniture isn’t already fireproof, ask the store to coat it with fireproof chemicals. Although this may cost you a couple hundred dollars, the investment will be worth it. In many cases, getting a fireproof coating will also involve making your furniture stain resistant, which is a nice added bonus.

#6: Never Leave Candles Unattended

This may seem like a no-brainer, but candles are one of the top causes of house fires. It is far too easy to become comfortable with candles and to think nothing bad could happen if you leave a candle unattended for even a short period of time. But, the reality is that it quite easy for a candle to get accidentally knocked over or to otherwise lead to a house fire.

#7: Maintain Your Furnace Properly

Proper maintenance of your furnace is also an essential part of keeping fires at bay. Failure to change out your filter can lead to overheating and other damage to your furnace that can ultimately lead to a fire.

#8: Clean Out Your Lint Trap

It is also essential for you to clean out your lint trap every time you use your dryer. If you do not remove the lint that has accumulated, your dryer can become overheated and can lead to a fire.

#9: Don’t Overload Your Electrical Wires

You should also take care to avoid overloading your electrical wires and making sure your wiring is installed properly, as overloaded wires can quickly lead to an electrical fire.

#10: Perform Regular Checks

Finally, be sure to regularly check your appliances and electrical cords in order to make sure they are not becoming worn out and frayed. If wires are damaged or if appliances are becoming worn out, repair or replace them as necessary.

About Jack Taylor

Jack Taylor is a home improvement contractor who enjoys remodeling, repairing and building new homes and sharing his knowledge of home improvement with others. Not only does he write about contractors and home improvement, but he also can help you find a contractor near you.

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