Accidents happen. One minute you’re frying up some chicken for dinner and the next thing you know, your pan has gone up in flames. Or, you light a candle for ambiance, but neglect to notice your low hanging curtain and the perfectly placed air conditioner vent that could cause the two to meet.
Yes, accidents happen—but it’s how well you prepare for those accidents that can keep a small mishap from turning into a tragedy. Here are our best tips for putting out small home fires.
Own a Fire Extinguisher
This might seem like a no-brainer, but you’d be surprised how many homes are without this basic safety necessity. Be sure to have at least one on every floor of your home for easy access. While there are different types of extinguishers, a standard A:B:C extinguisher (they use use dry chemicals to put out the fire. Class A for trash, wood and paper, Class B for liquids and gases, and Class C for energized electrical sources) is your most versatile choice.
Check Your Smoke Detectors
While most smoke alarms will let you know when their batteries are running low, it’s still a good idea to check that they’re working at least once a month and replace with fresh batteries every six months. A well-working smoke detector can alert you to a fire before it gets out of control.
Smother Grease Fires
If a fire starts on your stove while you’re cooking, fight your instinct to put it out with water. Instead, immediately turn off the heat and smother the flames with a lid or a heavy dose of baking soda. You can also use your fire extinguisher.
Cut the Power on Electrical Fires
Again, never use water to put out an electrical fire. Instead, cut off the power source and smother the fire with a nonflammable blanket or your fire extinguisher.
Lastly, our most important tip is to remain calm and put your safety and the safety of your loved ones before the desire to save any material possessions. If the fire is too much for you to put out on your own, get out of your house immediately and call 911.
Butler Durrell cares about the safety of your home and family. Early warning of smoke and fire saves lives and minimizes damage to property. Every second counts when a fire threatens and getting help there as soon as possible makes the difference between a tragedy and an inconvenience.
