Fire is a real risk practically everywhere in the modern world. However, the danger of a fire can be minimized if people pay close attention and include a few fire safety tips in their day to day lives.
Have an Escape
The most important thing when it comes to fire safety is knowing how to get away from any blaze. So whether someone is at home, at work or in school, there’s nothing more important than multiple escape routes. Being able to find the route in the dark, and to locate it from instinct is precisely the sort of thing that can save someone’s life when it comes to a fire. Any time someone spends regular amounts of time in a building, he or she should know how to get out.
Know How to Fight Fire
Whether at home or in public, people should always have fire extinguishers on hand. However, there are a wide variety of different kinds of extinguisher which should be used in different circumstances. As such, those interested in real fire safety need to recognize the different designations and to know which ones must be used in what circumstances. Once that lesson’s been learned, individuals need to practice using an extinguisher, aiming the contents and putting out controlled fires to ensure they’re familiar with the process.
Always Follow Proper Fire Safety Habits
Whenever there’s fire, people need to treat it with respect. If it’s a campfire then they should clean away all brush and grass and dig a shallow pit for the fire. If possible the pit should be surrounded by stones to help keep the fire contained. Whenever someone is putting out a fire it should be extinguished completely, then buried with dirt or sand to cut out the last possibility that it will lead to a forest fire. Smokers in particular should properly dispose of any ashes, butts or embers completely so that there’s no chance they could light anything else on fire.
Know the Signs
Fire doesn’t start with flames and heat, though that’s the most tell tale sign that something is burning. Smoke, as well as the scents associated with burning and the situations that cause it, like excessive heat or electrical overload, are also important and should be taken into account.
Being attuned to the potential danger of a fire and the hazards that create one is an excellent survival mechanism. Fire is a real risk for all of us and using these basic fire safety tips will help minimize that risk.