Top Summer Fire Safety Tips to Protect Your Home & Family

As the winter draws to a close and warmer weather is visible on the horizon, homeowners and residents have a few important areas to be thinking about. Fire safety is one great example - while it's a vital part of in-home safety every day of the year, fire safety becomes even a slightly larger priority during the highest-risk parts of the year, which come during the summer.

At Incognitoes, we're here to offer a wide range of in-home fire extinguishers and decorative fire extinguisher covers, helping homeowners maintain home fire safety in any space throughout the year. Here are some general summer fire safety tips from our team, including a quick word on why heightened awareness is always important this time of year.

Why Summer Requires Heightened Awareness

There are a few reasons why summer is a time for increased fire safety awareness. For one, the weather gets hotter and drier in many parts of the world during this season, making wildfires and outdoor fires more common. Additionally, many people spend more time outdoors during the summer, engaging in activities like barbecuing or camping that can increase the risk of fire.

Finally, with kids out of school and families taking vacations, there may be less supervision on younger family members who may not know proper fire safety protocol. This means that it's especially important for people to be aware of fire safety during the summer months.

Quality Fire Extinguisher Stocking

One of the first steps in fire safety is having a properly stocked and accessible fire extinguisher. It's important to know what type of fire extinguisher is best for different types of fires, as using the wrong type can actually make the fire worse.

Having a fire extinguisher on hand and knowing how to use it can make all the difference in case of an emergency. It's recommended to have at least one fire extinguisher on each floor of your home, especially in areas such as the kitchen, garage, and near any potential fire hazards.

Fire Plans

One element of fire safety that should not change is the need for an effective fire plan. Whether you are at home, in school, or at work, having a plan in place can save lives and prevent catastrophic damage. A fire plan should include the following elements:

• Escape Routes: Identify all possible exits from the building or area and make sure they are clear and easily accessible.

• Meeting Point: Designate a safe location where everyone can gather after evacuating to ensure everyone is accounted for.

• Call For Help: Make sure everyone knows how to call 911 or emergency services in case of a fire.

• Practice Drills: Regularly conduct practice drills to ensure that everyone knows what to do in case of a fire.

• Fire Safety Equipment: Make sure all fire safety equipment, such as fire extinguishers and smoke detectors, are in good working condition and easily accessible.

In addition to the above elements, it is also important to educate yourself and others about fire prevention. This includes proper storage of flammable materials, regular maintenance of electrical equipment, and being cautious when using open flames or smoking materials.

Know Summer's Larger Risks

Both for you and any children under your supervision, summer poses specific fire risks to keep an eye out for. Outdoor activities like camping and fireworks displays come with their own set of dangers, as well as more mundane summertime activities.

It's important to be educated and have a basic understanding of the potential risks associated with summertime activities. This can include everything from grilling and open fires, to using fireworks and setting off sky lanterns.

Summer Grilling

One particular summertime activity that poses a potential fire risk is outdoor grilling. While it may seem like a harmless and fun way to cook up some burgers and hot dogs, there are certain precautions that need to be taken in order to avoid starting a fire.

Here are some important tips to keep in mind when using a grill:

• Always place the grill on a flat, stable surface away from anything flammable

• Keep children and pets at least three feet away from the grilling area

• Check gas connections for leaks before use

• Never leave the grill unattended while cooking

At Incognitoes, we're here to help maintain home fire safety through a wide selection of fire extinguishers and decorative fire extinguisher covers. Contact us today to learn about any of our products, or for further help with summer fire safety tips.