How to protect yourself from fire: 5 tips to save your property and life
How to save your home from a fire (photo: Freepik.com)
A fire is one of the most terrifying threats anyone can face—and today, unfortunately, it’s especially relevant. To reduce the risk of fire and ensure your home’s safety, it’s important to follow a few simple but important rules. Here’s how to protect your apartment from fire, what safety measures to follow, and what to do if a fire does break out.
Avoid using flammable materials in the home
One of the main fire risks in an apartment is the presence of flammable materials such as carpets, linoleum, curtains, and rugs. These items contribute to the rapid spread of flames, especially if made of synthetic fibers that release toxic gases when burned.
To reduce the risk, it’s recommended to change curtains to metal blinds. This increases your home’s fire safety and gives your interior a modern look.
Install metal doors
One of the most effective ways to protect your apartment from fire is to install metal doors. This is especially important for entrance doors in apartment buildings, as they create a barrier against flames.
If installing metal doors is not an option, you can reinforce wooden doors with a metal sheet and paint them. This will also serve as a reliable barrier against fire and help prevent its spread into your apartment.
Appliance and refrigerator safety
Televisions, refrigerators, and other household appliances connected to a 220V power supply are continuously energized and can become potential fire hazards. To minimize the risk, do not place these devices near flammable materials like books or paper.
Be especially cautious with the refrigerator, which operates even when you're not home. Place it on a non-flammable surface such as tile, an asbestos mat, or an aluminum sheet to prevent fire from spreading to nearby items in case of ignition.
Fire is too serious a threat to ignore (photo: pexels.com)
Keep a water supply and fire extinguisher on hand
To be prepared for an emergency, always keep a water reserve on hand. At least 20 liters of water in a canister or several 6-liter plastic bottles can help not only in case of fire but also in other unexpected situations, like a water outage.
Also, don’t forget a portable fire extinguisher. It should be placed in an easily accessible location and protected from sunlight, high temperatures, and chemicals. Choose an extinguisher suitable for your type of residence, and consult specialists if needed.
Evacuation equipment and emergency readiness
Fires are especially dangerous on upper floors, where fire ladders may not reach and water pumps may be ineffective.
If you live on an upper floor, make sure you have a thick rope nearby to help you descend to a lower floor or the ground if needed. If necessary, throw down mattresses and pillows to create a soft landing. Also, remember about fire escape ladders and balcony-to-balcony routes in multi-section buildings—they could save your life.
It’s also recommended to have evacuation drills with children once a year. This will help your family respond quickly and effectively in case of a fire, without panic or mistakes.
Sources: Lifehacker and HowStuffWorks
