Seasonal Fire Safety: Preparing Your Home for Summer Hazards

The summer is fast approaching, which means hot temperatures and dry air around much of the country. This means fire risks are at their highest, and all homeowners should be thinking about some basic tactics for preparing their home for summer fire hazards.

At Incognitoes, we're here to offer a huge range of home fire safety products that includes both fire extinguishers and decorative fire extinguisher covers. We also regularly provide basic expertise and information to our clients, including fire safety tips for any time of the year. Here are some basic summer fire safety tips to keep in mind for your home, ensuring your family stays safe and protected from all potential fire hazards.

Proper Fire Extinguisher Quantity and Placement

One of the single most important aspects of summer fire safety around the home is having the proper number of fire extinguishers and placing them in strategic locations. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) recommends at least one fire extinguisher on every floor of your home, with additional units installed in high-risk areas such as the kitchen, garage and near any sources of heat or open flames.

It's also important to understand that not all fires are created equal - different types of fires require different types of extinguishing agents. For example, a grease fire in the kitchen would require a Class B rated extinguisher, while an electrical fire would require a Class C rated one. Make sure you have the appropriate type of fire extinguisher for each potential fire hazard.

Regular Maintenance and Proper Storage

In addition to having the right type of fire extinguisher, it's crucial to regularly maintain and properly store them. This includes checking the pressure gauge annually and making sure it's within the recommended range. It's also important to ensure that the nozzle is not blocked or damaged, as this could affect its effectiveness in an emergency.

Fire extinguishers should be stored in easily accessible areas, away from potential hazards such as heat sources or chemicals. They should also be mounted securely on a wall or placed on a stable surface to prevent tipping over.

Storing Flammable Materials

Because summer brings both hotter temperatures and drier conditions around much of the country, it's important to be mindful of how we store flammable materials. Flammable materials are defined as any substances that can ignite and burn easily at normal temperatures.

Examples include gasoline, cleaning supplies, propane tanks, and even items such as paper or cloth. Proper storage is crucial to prevent accidental fires from occurring in your home or workplace.

Flammable materials should always be stored in a cool, dry place away from heat sources and direct sunlight. This could mean storing them inside a garage or shed rather than outside, where they could be exposed to extreme heat. It's also important to keep these materials away from potential ignition sources such as electrical outlets, candles, or smoking areas.

Electrical Hazard Care

Another important aspect of summer fire prevention is proper care and maintenance of electrical equipment. Faulty wiring or overloaded circuits can easily lead to an electrical fire, which can quickly spread to other areas of the building.

To prevent this, it's essential to have regular inspections of your electrical system by a licensed electrician. This should include checking for any loose connections, frayed wires, or outdated components that may pose a risk. It's also important to never overload outlets with too many appliances or electronics plugged in at once.

Outdoor Grilling Safety

If your home's outdoor space includes a grill, it's important to practice proper safety measures while using it. This includes keeping the grill at least 10 feet away from any structure, such as your house or deck, and never leaving it unattended while in use.

Before starting the grill, make sure all connections are secure and there are no leaks in the gas line. Use long-handled tools and wear protective gear such as heat-resistant gloves to avoid burns.

When cooking with charcoal, only use starter fluid designated for grilling and never add more once the coals have been lit. After use, make sure the grill is completely cooled before disposing of coals or ashes.

As you can see, there are a number of important concepts to be considered when it comes to home fire safety in the summer. From proper fire extinguisher placement to safe handling of outdoor cooking equipment, it's essential to take steps to prevent fires in and around your home.

At Incognitoes, we're here to provide the best fire suppressant products available on the market to assist in these efforts. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you and your loved ones stay safe this summer!