As a homeowner or renter, it is important to do all you can to avoid fire hazards in your home, especially in your bedroom.
Did you know that many house fires start in the bedroom? It is arguably the most dangerous place for a fire to start, especially during the night when people are sleeping. Unfortunately, many people have lost their lives because of bedroom fires. Thankfully, there are many steps you can take to prevent fires and make your bedroom a safe and comfortable haven inside your home.
Scroll on to learn what you can do to prevent fire hazards in the bedroom.
Steps You Can Take to Avoid Fire Hazards in Your Bedroom
- Avoid running electric cords, including extension cords, under your bed or carpeting and rugs. Keep cords from being trapped against walls and furniture to avoid heat build-up. Allow the heat put off from cords to easily dissipate by keeping them untangled. Additionally, do not overload an outlet or extension cord.
- Replace standard wick candles with battery-operated flameless candles.
- Never use space heaters without supervision. Always turn them off when leaving the room or going to bed.
- Prevent fires in electrical switches and outlets by installing arc fault circuit interrupters (AFCIs). These breakers will shut off the circuit when an electric arc is detected.
- Do not put a charging device on or below beds or on other flammable furniture.
- Ensure there is a three to four-foot buffer between flammable items and heat sources, like lit candles, electronics, and space heaters.
- Only use laboratory-approved electric warmers and blankets. Do not forcefully fold them, as wiring may become damaged. Do not sleep with them on and check for overheating often.
- Make sure your mattress meets current flammability standards.
- If you smoke, do not smoke in bed. You could fall asleep with a cigarette in your hand or mouth that could catch fire. Consider using fire-safe cigarettes that extinguish faster.
- Install smoke detectors in each bedroom. The National Fire Protection Association requires each sleeping room to have a functioning smoke detector installed. Make sure to test alarms monthly, replace batteries yearly, and swap out units every ten years with new sensors.
- Make a fire escape plan with the people you live with. Make sure all bedrooms have two escapes (a door and window escape option) and practice the drill twice each year.
Contact Rapid Response Restoration
By incorporating these tips, you can avoid fire hazards in your bedroom.
One of the best things you can do to be prepared if your home suffers damage from a fire is to find a trusted and experienced restoration company. The professionals at Rapid Response Restoration are experts in fire, smoke, flood, and mold restoration and remediation in Orem, Provo, and surrounding areas in Utah. Our knowledgeable technicians are available 24/7 and will work toward restoring your home as fast as possible so that you can return to the comforts of your own home. Contact us as soon as disaster strikes.
