The bedroom is a place where we spend a lot of time. It is the safest place to relax and rest in your home. It is also a common place where most of the fires start. Fire breakout in the bedroom is particularly hazardous because there may be people unaware and sleeping. These facts are alarming for homeowners.
It is essential to focus on your bedroom when it comes to fire safety. You can take some preventive measures and make a fire escape plan. You can reduce the risk of fire in your bedroom by following these essential tips:
10 Tips for Keeping your Bedroom Fire Safe:
Tip 1
Electrical wires should not run under the bed or carpet. They must not be confined within walls, where heat may accumulate. It is best to keep them untangled so that heat can escape. Additionally, it's crucial to refrain from overloading extensions.
Tip 2
Arc Fault Circuit Interrupters (AFCIs) should be installed in your home as a part of the electrical switches. They trip when there is an unintentional discharge of electricity.
Tip 3
Turn off the space heater when leaving the room or going to sleep.
Tip 4
Lit candles must be kept away from flammable materials like blankets, curtains, and mattresses.
Tip 5
If you have kids in your home, you should install tamper-resistant receptacles (TRRs). It prevents your child from inserting anything into the outlet.
Tip 6
There is also a possibility of starting a fire if you keep a laptop that is charging underneath a bed. Keep your laptops, iPads, and cell phones out of the bed.
Tip 7
Mattresses must fulfill the flammability requirements of textile industry norms.
Tip 8
The bed is in a no-smoking zone. There is a risk of you falling asleep and the cigarette falling from your hand igniting a bed fire.
Tip 9
Make sure you use the correct bulb size and rating in bedside lights, as per manufacturer specifications.
Tip 10
Keep a torch under the bed so you can find an exit from the room quickly.
Electric Blankets:
Electric blankets in the US should comply with strict safety standards. Careless use of these blankets could lead to electric shock or even death. Many casualties happen due to misuse of blankets and using worn blankets.
- It should be laboratory-approved and checked regularly for damage. Run your hands over it and if there is anything appears worn out, get it checked.
- Do not fold your blanket for storage, as it may damage the wiring inside. Instead, loosely roll it up avoid bending the heating elements. Always keep it straight when on the bed.
- If your blanket is overheating, turn it off and take it to the authorized dealer for inspection.
- Do not use a wet, soiled, or creased blanket. Do not use an electric blanket and a hot water bottle together.
- Always read the manufacturer's instructions before using the electric blanket. Do not place heavy objects on it.
- Never place a baby on an electric blanket; it can dehydrate the baby.
Replace the blanket if it shows these danger signs:
- Susceptible elements
- Soiled or moist patches
- Creasing
- Frayed or shabby marks
- Missing tie tapes
- Damaged electrical wire or plug
Kids Bedroom Fire Safety:
Mostly children are the cause of bedroom fires. Children often play with fire-lighters, match sticks, or candles in the bedroom, closet, or under beds. These are their private places where they can play and hide. Here is when the room catches fire.
Keep match sticks, lighters, and candles away from children. Tell them to stay away from combustible items. You should check under beds if you find burnt matches since your children are unlikely to tell you if they are.
....and remember to install those TRR's mentioned above.
Install Smoke Alarms:
By installing smoke alarms, you will be alerted early in case of an accident. You will be able to move your family from the place as soon as possible and call 911 for immediate assistance. After smoke alarm installation, you should be ready with your escape plan.
- Check alarms monthly and vacuum dust alarms every six months.
- Replace batteries every year. Some alarms have lithium batteries that last up to 10 years, so you don't have to change them often.
- Many smoke alarms include rechargeable batteries, allowing you to recharge them every six months.
- Children sleep well and may not wake up when the alarm goes off. Alert them about safety alarms and guide them on what to do under such circumstances.
- Remember to close your bedroom door while sleeping. The risk of a fire spreading and dangerous smoke decreases by closing the bedroom door. It also brings down the temperature.
Do you need bedtime fire safety checks every day?
Absolutely, Yes! If you are the one who cares for your family, you can take some time for home fire safety checks. Similar to how we check our doors and windows every day. After all, prevention is the best way of protection.
Conclusion:
Your ongoing awareness and precautions can save you and your family from fire misfortunes. Your bedroom should be shielded from fire threats since it serves as your haven throughout the day.
By implementing these simple fire prevention strategies, the probability of fatal bedroom fires can be reduced. Unfortunately, we are unsure about our future. Accidently if a fire breaks out in your house, safe evacuation should be the topmost priority.
