fireproofing a bedroom can help keep you and your family safeBedroom fires are the cause of a large number of home fire deaths.To fireproof this room, you need to make sure all exits are accessible, install fire detection and maintain electrical wiring.Making sure the bedroom is set up with a phone, flashlight and whistle is one of the things you need to do.
Step 1: The bedroom has a smoke alarm.
You should be able to practice proper maintenance if the smoke alarm is located easily.The smoke detector batteries need to be replaced every six months.Smoke alarm sensitivity decreases with age, so you should replace it periodically.You should not use a smoke alarm that is more than ten years old.Press the button in the middle to test the smoke alarm.It's a good idea to test it once per month.You can see the manufacture date by looking at the back of the device or inside the battery chamber.A carbon monoxide detector should be installed in the bedroom.
Step 2: There is a smoke alarm in the bedroom.
There should be a smoke alarm just outside of the bedroom.If there is a common hallway outside of the bedroom, there should be a smoke alarm in this location.
Step 3: There is a fire Extinguisher in the bedroom.
It is a good idea to have a fire extinguisher on hand.The extinguisher can be installed in an accessible location.Everyone in the room should know where the extinguisher is and how to use it.You should call your local fire department if you don't know how to use a fire extinguisher.Ask if they have any upcoming training.
Step 4: Space heaters should be kept away from fire.
If you use space heaters in the bedroom, you should keep them out of sight.The middle of the room and at least three feet away from bedding and furniture is a good place to put the space heater.If you want to use the space heater safety guidelines, locate it on flat ground away from furniture.You should follow the instructions of the manufacturer.The space heater plug needs to be in good working order.If it's broken, you should get rid of it.When you go to sleep, turn off the space heating.When you're not in the room, don't use the space heater.Keep space heaters away from doorways and foot traffic.Plug the space heaters directly into the wall, instead of using extension cords.
Step 5: The electrical wiring needs to be checked.
A certified electrician can assess the wiring in the bedroom to make sure it's safe.The wiring should be fixed if there are flickering lights, warm outlets or outlets that give you a shock.
Step 6: Do not use electrical extension cords.
Don't use too many electrical extension cords in the bedroom.The extension cords could pose a fire risk if placed under carpets or furniture.You should add more wall plugs to the bedroom instead of extension cords.If there are electrical extension cords in the room, it's a good idea to make sure they aren't pinched between the doors or carpets.
Step 7: Exits should be clear and accessible.
The furniture should be placed in a way that people can easily leave the room in the event of a fire.You should be able to open the door completely.Furniture should not block access to the door.There should be no furniture blocking secondary exits.You shouldn't put shelves in the way of the door.
Step 8: It's a good idea to store clothing properly.
If you leave scarves and pants on the floor, you should put all of your clothing in a drawer or closet.If there is too much clothing on the floor, it can cause you to fall in a fire.Since the lamp could light the clothing on fire, you should never put it on top of lamps.
Step 9: Don't overload power outlets.
If you have a lot of electrical appliances in your bedroom or bathroom, you should not plug them all into one outlet.It is a serious fire hazard if you cause an electrical fault.If you want to avoid overloading power outlets, follow a few simple steps.Extra appliances should never be put onto extension cords.Determine how much power you are putting on an outlet by looking at your appliance power demands.Don't try to exceed 1,500 watt.Plug your big appliance into the wall.
Step 10: Don't leave candles unguarded.
Candles should be kept away from curtains and bedding in the bedroom.When you are in the room, you should only light the candles.Blow them out before you sleep.
Step 11: It's a good idea to avoid smoking in the bedroom.
Smoking is a common cause of house fires.The person should not smoke in the bedroom if they are a smoker.It's important to avoid smoking in bed.
Step 12: A family fire plan is needed.
In the event of a fire, your family fire plan should outline a strategy for leaving the house.All of the exits from your home should be mapped out.You should know where the smoke detectors are located.After leaving the house in the event of a fire, your plan should include a safe location where you can meet.The family meeting spot could be a street corner or street lamp.If anyone in your family has mobility issues or is older, you should have a family fire plan in place that designates who is responsible for helping them exit the house in the event of a fire.Make sure your street number is visible from the street so that the fire fighters can easily find it in the event of a fire.If you have guests staying in the bedroom, you should give them a copy of the family fire plan.
Step 13: The exit strategy is practiced.
If you want to be prepared in the event of a fire, you should practice your family fire plan both during the day and at night.All children and adults should know how to leave their bedrooms.
Step 14: There is a flashlight and whistle in the bedroom.
You can keep a flashlight and whistle in your bedroom by placing them on a bedside table or beside the phone.In the event of a fire, you can use a flashlight and whistle to get the attention of the firefighters outside your bedroom window.
Step 15: You should have a telephone in your bedroom.
There should be a phone in the bedroom.You need to be able to dial the local fire station if there is a fire.It's a good idea to have an emergency telephone number that you can easily access on the phone.Place a sticker on your phone that has your name, address and street name on it.This information is needed by the emergency fire dispatch.
Step 16: Make a note of the emergency telephone number.
If you can't find the emergency phone number on your phone, you should memorize it.You don't want to be stuck in a house with a raging fire and unable to call your local fire department.If you memorize your address and street name, you can give it to the fire dispatch.