Fire is very important for us. Without it, we cannot survive. It is also like water, which is a vital element for our living. For our ordinary lives, it takes part by helping us cook our food. Your culinary dishes, homemade delicacies and other luscious food are made possible with the help of controlled fire. It is also one forms of our entertainment. Another of its wonders is by providing light. At night, when everyone decides to party on the beach line, bonfires beautifully illuminates the whole place. Thus making the whole event warm and inviting.
As you can see, these are just few of the uses of fire in our lives. However, despite its many uses, its beauty and qualities when untamed can cause fatalities, injuries and destructions to anyone or anything that it comes in contact with. As of the year 2007, 414,000 homes have been burned; 2,895 lives have been taken away; and 14,000 people have been injured because of it (this is according to USFA statistics). Imagine the tragedy it can bring to all of us if we do not use it cautiously.
That is why it is important for us to ensure fire safety at all times. No matter what kind of fire it is, even if it may seem harmless, we need to take measures in order to prevent the worse from happening. Here are some of the tips you can observe in your homes daily.
1.When you are cooking, keep an eye on your food, especially when you are using high heat. Do not use loose clothing, especially when you are cooking on an open fire. Avoid putting your mittens, hand towels, paper towels and plastics near the gas range or even the burner. Do not grill food or use open flames for grilling in places where there are branches or dried leaves.
2.Fireplaces should be well protected by using metal mesh screens. As much as possible, ensure that it is built with durable and fire-resistant materials. It is nice to put decorations around it, just make sure that they do not dangle in the opening of the fireplace and they should not be combustible materials. As much as possible, keep them away.
3.Candles can be very therapeutic in homes but it must be used while you are inside the room. Be sure to blow them off before you leave the room or before going to sleep. Keep them away from curtains or stacks of papers. Always place them on their holders rather than putting them directly on a wood furnish.
4.Another crucial fire safety consideration at home is the use of electrical devices. Before you go to sleep or when leaving the house, do not put your televisions or players on stand by mode. As much as possible turn them off or unplug them. Always double check heat-giving devices such as irons, portable heaters, blow dryers. Avoid putting them close to combustible materials and do not forget to turn them off or unplug them when no one is at home.
5.If there are smokers in the family, advise them to smoke outside the house. While smoking, provide them ashtrays. Also, tell them to put out the cigar before throwing them. Running it with water is the most effective technique.