Becoming a homeowner is a dream come true, but it also comes with new responsibilities. Chief among them is maintaining 24/7 home safety. With the Philippines’ Bureau of Fire Protection reporting 3,044 fires in just the first two months of 2024, prioritizing fire prevention and risk reduction is more imperative than ever. Take the necessary steps to ensure your loved ones’ welfare by learning crucial fire safety tips from this guide.

House fires can start in various ways, and it’s crucial to acquaint yourself with potential hazards. Some of these are obvious, while others are easier to overlook:

• Cooking accidents
• Faulty electrical wiring
• Appliance malfunctions
• Unattended candles
• Indoor smoking

Learn ways to fireproof your house and attain the peace of mind you need. Follow these tips to minimize risks.

It's easy to forget the potential dangers of plugging too many gadgets into a single outlet. But using multiple extension cords chained together is a recipe for disaster. So, avoid overcrowding your sockets to ensure electrical safety and prevent overheating.

Additionally, high-power appliances like refrigerators and air conditioners should have their own outlets. If you’re leaving your house for an extended period, it’s advisable to unplug devices like lamps or electric fans.

Nobody wants a ruined meal, and definitely not a kitchen fire! For safety, never leave your cooking on the stove unattended—even if it’s your special slow-cooked adobo. And always practice basic kitchen safety by turning off gas tanks when not in use. If you haven’t fully moved in yet, consider investing in electrical stove tops or induction cookers as an additional fire prevention measure in the kitchen.

Everyone knows smoking is bad for your health. But lighting up indoors can also put your home at risk. Neglected cigarettes can set fire to linens, upholstery, curtains, or any flammable material nearby. To be sure, designate a smoking area outside of your house. Or better yet, quit smoking altogether.

Fire extinguishers are your first line of defense in case of a small fire at home. That's why it's essential to have at least one easily accessible in a central location. When shopping for a fire extinguisher, look for the Philippine Standard (PS) license and Import Commodity Clearance (ICC) seals to ensure it passes quality control and is safe to use. Don’t forget to check its expiration date and follow the manufacturer's instructions for maintenance.

Make sure you know how to use a fire extinguisher, following the PASS (Pull, Aim, Squeeze, Sweep) technique:

• Pull the pin after twisting.
• Aim the nozzle at the base of the fire.
• Squeeze the lever.
• Sweep from side to side.

Besides fire extinguishers, smoke alarms are invaluable investments for early fire detection. These devices provide precious time to react and stop small fires from spreading. Make sure you hire a qualified electrician to install the smoke detectors in strategic places like the garage or kitchen.

Fire prevention is a team effort, so gather the family and get everyone involved. Discuss basic fire safety with the entire household and walk them through an action plan, so they know what to do during a fire. Outline the need for an escape plan with two ways out of each room:

• Door and window: Ensure windows open fully to let you slip through.
• Two doors: Arrange for one door to lead to another room and another to open to the hallway. Alternatively, incorporate a Jack-and-Jill bathroom (accessible from two bedrooms) in your house design.
• Window and an escape ladder: Consider collapsible fire escape ladders that attach to windowsills for safe descent.

Don’t forget to set a designated meeting spot outside your home. Keep the local fire station and other emergency hotline numbers on hand. Post them near your landline phone and program them into your smartphone's contacts for easy access.