The 2021 Home Structure Fires Report from the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) reveals a concerning statistic: over 25% of reported fires happen within residential settings. Over a span of five years, there was an approximate annual count of 346,800 home structure fires, which resulted in an average of 2,260 civilian fatalities, 11,070 civilian injuries, and a staggering $7.3 billion in direct property damages.

Empower your home’s safety by proactively adopting preventive measures. These actions can significantly curtail the potential for fire-induced casualties, injuries, and property losses. Embracing the ethos of the International Code Council’s 2023 Building Safety Month campaign, you can personally assume the role of ensuring building safety.

Peruse ahead to discover five effortless steps aimed at safeguarding not only yourself but also your loved ones from the perils of a household fire.

Verify the Presence of a Functional Fire Suppression System

Fire suppression systems play a crucial role in identifying and quelling fires, whether through automated processes or manual intervention. An essential instance of a manual fire suppression tool is the fire extinguisher, a device that every household should have readily accessible. With a functional fire extinguisher at your disposal, you gain the ability to swiftly douse a minor fire before it escalates.

Portable fire extinguishers are not only cost-effective but also user-friendly, exhibiting remarkable efficacy against small fires when promptly employed. These extinguishers come in various types, tailored for general combustibles found throughout the home and specific to kitchen fires.

Outlined in NFPA 10, the Standard for Portable Fire Extinguishers, are prerequisites ensuring the dependable performance of portable fire extinguishers. This standard serves to guarantee that these devices stand as a primary defense line against confined fires. Manufacturers and retail establishments can offer valuable assistance in selecting the appropriate extinguisher type and ensuring optimal placement within your living space.

Implement a Comprehensive Fire Detection and Notification System

Having operational smoke alarms within your residence is an absolute necessity. These devices serve as an early alert system, granting you and your loved ones the crucial time needed to react and evacuate before a fire gains momentum.

For optimal safety, it’s advisable to engage a licensed electrician to assess your existing smoke alarms. This evaluation will help determine if any replacements are necessary or recommended. Following the guidelines of the International Property Maintenance Code® (IPMC), smoke alarms originally installed must be substituted with the same type if certain conditions stipulated in Section 704.7 of the IPMC are met. This section outlines the specific criteria and time-frame for replacement, extending up to a maximum of 10 years.

Even battery-operated smoke alarms can be upgraded with ease to a wireless interconnected model, regardless of whether the initial installation mandated hardwired units. However, it’s important to note that this enhancement isn’t obligatory by code, as indicated in the exceptions highlighted in Section 704.6.2 of the IPMC.

Furthermore, if your smoke alarms are solely powered by batteries, complying with the current code requisites outlined in Section 704.6.3 of the IPMC can be achieved by incorporating new hardwired units into your system.

Assess Your Present Electrical Infrastructure

Conducting a thorough assessment of your current electrical setup holds considerable importance in mitigating the risk of potential fires. Electrical fires can swiftly escalate and prove challenging to quell, underscoring the critical need for maintaining and installing your electrical systems correctly.

For those residing in older residences, it’s advisable to enlist the expertise of a licensed electrician to meticulously evaluate your existing service panel, wiring, circuits, switches, and outlets. This evaluation will help identify areas that may warrant system or component upgrades.

This evaluation encompasses a comprehensive analysis of how electrical systems are utilized across your household, pinpointing opportunities to align with the potentially safer provisions outlined in the National Electrical Code requirements. By undertaking these proactive measures, you are enhancing the safety and resilience of your home against electrical hazards.

Contemplate Upgrading Your Garage Door for Enhanced Safety

The potential for a garage fire to swiftly engulf your entire home emphasizes the urgency of preventive actions. A vital step in fortifying your defense against such scenarios involves installing or upgrading the door connecting your garage to your living space. Opting for a door with a fire-resistant rating or construction, as detailed in Section R302.5 of the International Residential Code® (IRC), represents a substantial enhancement in fire prevention.

Additionally, reinforcing separation walls between your garage and dwelling unit aligns with the fire resistance rating stipulated in Section R302.6 of the IRC. By adhering to these proactive measures, you bolster your home’s resilience against fire propagation, ensuring the safety of your living environment.

Extend Fire Safety to Your Outdoor Area

Protecting your home from fires necessitates a comprehensive approach, encompassing your home’s surroundings. To fortify your defense against potential fire hazards, consider the following steps:

1. Evaluate Combustible Storage: Take a thorough look at the storage of combustible materials both indoors and outdoors, ensuring adherence to the regulations outlined in Section 304 of the International Fire Code® (IFC). By doing so, you create a safer environment and mitigate fire risks.
2. Outdoor Fireplace Compliance: Verify that any portable outdoor fireplace aligns with the guidelines set forth in Section 307 of the IFC and any local regulations. This step ensures that your outdoor fire features meet safety standards.
3. Open Flame Usage Adherence: Prior to using open flames outdoors, confirm that your activities are in accordance with Section 308 of the IFC. This adherence to regulations helps prevent potential fire-related incidents.
4. Wildland Urban Interface Properties: For properties located in Wildland Urban Interface hazard areas, subject to the International Wildland Urban Interface Code® (IWUIC), it’s essential to establish and uphold a defensible space within your property as mandated by Sections 603 and 604 of the IWUIC. This practice is particularly crucial in minimizing the risk of fire spread from wildland areas to your property.

By embracing these proactive measures, you extend your fire safety efforts beyond the confines of your home, creating a comprehensive shield against potential fire threats.