Many people do not realize how devastating a house fire can actually be. There are, on average, 350,000 structure fires each year that result in approximately 2,500 deaths. This is a scary statistic, so thinking that it will not happen to you is a dangerous way to think. One of the most important things that you can do in respect to a house fire is be extremely prepared. If you are prepared then you can have peace of mind knowing that in the even of a house fire, you know what to do. There are a few different actions that you can take that will help you prepare for a house fire.

Prevention

The best action that you can take is prevention. You do not want to even come close to a house fire, and so you should take an offensive approach. Be sure that you are having your appliances checked regularly. You do not want your water heater or furnace to cause a fire. You should also have your electrical work inspected every so often to prevent electrical fires. Be sure that you are checking the dryer and ridding the dryer of lint before each load of laundry. Simple steps can be taken to prevent a fire from occurring in your home.

Fire Extinguishers

If you walk into any commercial building you will notice that there are a few fire extinguishers on the walls. This is a law, and for a very good reason. If there is ever a fire, a fire extinguisher is one of the best ways to put it out before it grows too big. You should have a fire extinguisher on each floor of your house, and one in the kitchen and laundry room as these are the most common areas for fires. It is also important that you have the fire extinguishers inspected each year, and that you replace old fire extinguishers. 

Plan

Whether you live by yourself or with a family, having a plan of escape is vital to peace of mind and safety. Have a fire fighter come to the home and help you develop an escape plan for different situations. The fire fighter will be able to explain how fire works through a home and the best route for escape from each individual room. This can give you peace of mind, but it also helps children understand just how dangerous fire can be. Talk with a company like Tri County Fire Protection to help with your safety plan and preparation.