Is Your Home Protected from Fire?

Not to worry. In the lead up to Fire Prevention Week 2021, this post runs through some key considerations to keep your house protected from fire – so you can really relax at home.

The first checkbox for your home’s fire safety is the equipment you have in place. Basic fire or smoke alarms are a start. However, not all fires are the same. Some alarm types will react quicker depending on the kind of fire.

If you want to keep your home protected from fire, we recommend complementing your security system with modern fire alarms that can detect both smoke and heat. Along with gas leak detectors, this equipment is vital to life safety.

We get it. The high-pitched beeping whenever you burn your toast can become annoying. So too can the beeping reminder from your alarm when the batteries are running out. All too often, this leads to batteries being removed or devices being unplugged from the circuit.

Whatever your annoyance, it’s nothing compared to the devastating impact of a fire. If you’re annoyed by false alarms, a fire alarm expert may be able to recommend a more suitable device or location. But no matter how frustrating, you should never disconnect or switch off your fire alarms.

It’s easy to think that your fire alarms are fully functional. The only time you’ll find out otherwise is if a fire goes undetected. By that point, it’s too late. The fire has ripped through your home and potentially even caused harm to your loved ones.

Don’t get complacent. Make sure your smoke detectors are regularly inspected, cleaned and tested. You should perform regular tests yourself, as well as having a professional inspection once a year.

Another important aspect of fire safety is minimising the risk of a fire starting in the first place. While many people think cooking is the main cause of a fire, one of the most common areas of concern is your home’s electrics.

Whether it’s the electric installation or the appliances themselves, old, faulty or damaged wiring can cause the electrical current to build up or spread to combustible materials – ultimately resulting in a fire.

Get your electric installation checked by a professional, and make sure you replace any old or faulty appliances, right down to your extension leads and phone chargers.

You can also take some simple steps to make your home less of a fire risk. Make sure combustible materials and flammable liquids are stored away from naked flames or heat sources, and don’t leave appliances like ovens, grills, hobs and microwaves unattended when they’re being used.

It’s easy to assume that you’re safe from fire at home. In most cases, however, you’ll have a number of blind spots which could lead to a fire starting and spreading.

At Selectron, we aim to eliminate those blind spots with expert advice, alongside state-of-the-art fire alarms and smoke detectors. Speak to our team today to find out more about the best products for your home.