Key Takeaways:
- According to the United States Fire Administration, a home structure fire was registered every 93 seconds in 2020.
- Smoke alarms are your foremost line of defense against a fire, so it is important to check them regularly and replace expired batteries.
- Obstructed fire exits are one of the most typical fire safety violations in residential buildings – ensure there are clear and unobstructed paths from each room in your house towards designated exits.
- Other primary culprits include overloaded electrical outlets, ignition sources near flammable materials, improper use of extension cords, lack of extinguishers, and unsafe electrical wiring.
When most people think of fire safety, they probably think of stop, drop, and roll – and for a good reason. Those are the three basic steps to minimize your odds of being seriously injured in a fire. But what many people don’t know is that you can do numerous other things to make your home safer from fires.
G2 Restoration will examine some of the most typical fire safety violations in residential buildings in this post. So, whether you own a home or live in one, pay attention – you might learn something useful!
The Fire Hazards & Your Home Sweet Home
In 2021, fire departments across the United States responded to a blaze every 23 seconds on average. A home structure fire was reported 93 seconds apart. In contrast, a home fire death occurred approximately every three hours and eight minutes. Furthermore, a home fire injury occurred roughly once every 47 minutes. So, what does this tell us? Residential buildings are incredibly susceptible to fire hazards.
The Primary Culprits
To reduce risk and prevent disasters, it’s essential to know the most common fire safety violations in residential buildings. Thus, let us explore some of the primary culprits:
1. Malfunctioning Smoke Alarms:
Your smoke alarm is your first line of defense against a fire. Therefore, if your smoke alarms malfunction or are absent, you may be vulnerable to potential disaster. It’s important to regularly check all smoke alarms for proper operation and replace any expired batteries.
2. Obstructed Fire Exits:
Suppose there is an emergency situation, every second counts! Having clear and unobstructed paths from each room in the house towards a designated fire exit is critical to ensure that everyone can easily and quickly escape the building.
3. Overloaded Electrical Outlets:
It’s true – we are guilty of plugging too many things into one outlet at some point. But this practice is highly dangerous as it increases the risk of a fire starting from an electrical overload. Additionally, any power cords should be checked for fraying, which could lead to sparking and a potential disaster.
4. Ignition Sources Near Flammable Materials:
Keep items such as matches, lighters, candles, or other open flames away from flammable materials such as curtains, blankets, furniture cushions, or carpets. Always ensure these items are stored in secure containers out of reach of kids & away from any flammable materials.
5. Not Enough Smoke Alarms:
Every dwelling should have at least one smoke alarm lodged on each floor and within 10 feet of bedrooms. Additionally, all smoke alarms should be tested once a month to ensure they are functioning properly.
6. Improper Use Of Extension Cords:
Extension cords must be used correctly to prevent fire risk. Extension cords should never be overloaded with more plugs than it is designed for, and they should never run through walls or ceilings where heat damage can occur.
7. Lack Of Fire Extinguishers:
Every home needs to have an appropriate number and type of fire extinguishers available for use in an emergency. One fire extinguisher is recommended on each floor, and all extinguishers should be maintained according to manufacturer instructions.
8. Obstructed Exits:
All exits must remain free from clutter and obstacles since they are a critical part of escape routes in the event of a fire. This includes hallways, stairwells, windows, doors, and any other exit points or pathways that may be available.
9. Improper Storage Of Flammable Materials:
Flammable materials, such as gasoline, paint thinners, or matches, must be stored correctly to prevent fire risk. These items should never be left near heat sources or stored near combustible material such as furniture or drapes.
10. Unsafe Electrical Wiring:
Faulty or poorly maintained wiring can lead to a fire hazard and should be inspected by a licensed electrician annually. This includes checking wires for frayed insulation, overloaded circuits, and exposed wiring.
Related: 3 Effective Prevention Strategies To Keep Your Home Safe From Wildfires
When it comes to fire safety violations in homes, there are many that you should be aware of so that you can avoid them and keep your family safe from fire risk. From combustible materials stored too close to heat sources to faulty wiring and blocked exits, violations can quickly become dangerous if not taken care of promptly.
By following the above guidelines and paying attention to other warning signs, such as damaged electrical cords or appliances with visible signs of overheating, you can significantly reduce the fire risk in your home.
Our Last Thoughts
Exposed wiring is one of residential buildings’ most common fire safety violations. Faulty electrical wiring can be extremely hazardous and cause a dangerous fire that can spread quickly, endangering both people and property. It’s essential to inspect your home often for exposed wiring or damaged electrical cords and get them fixed as soon as possible.
Don’t take any chances regarding fire safety – stay informed and ensure you keep your home up-to-date with all the necessary precautions! Stay safe out there!
Here’s How G2 Restoration Can Help You
G2 Restoration is the perfect choice for fire mitigation services in Garland, TX. We bring years of experience to the table, and our team is highly trained and certified. Plus, we have a long track record of success in this field. We understand the unique challenges commercial buildings face regarding fire safety and have the knowledge and skills to address them effectively. We’ll ensure your property is safe and compliant with all fire safety regulations.
