The National Fire Prevention Association (NFPA) reported that U.S. fire departments handled 1,642,500 residential and commercial fires, resulting in 3,345 civilian deaths and 16,400 injuries, with an approximated $11,307,000,000 of property damage. It is essential to be proactive about fire prevention as lives and those we cherish can be in danger. The available protection should not be ignored.

Annually, a huge number of acres of land are lost in the news, whether from wildfires or other causes. Homes and companies can be damaged in these events and sometimes cannot be avoided. However, some of these occurrences can be reduced and, in many cases, prevented altogether.

The best way to guard against fire is to take precautionary measures. Applying fire-retardant sprays and fire blocking items is typically the initial step in fire protection. If the structure is not able to catch fire, it is less likely to let a flame to propagate or even originate. These retardants are highly efficient, ecologically friendly, non-toxic, and non-hazardous. They are suitable for drywall, wood, and synthetic fabrics both indoors and outside.

Smoke alarms are a very common preventative measure because smoke always precedes a fire. Over 80 percent of all fire casualties occur when there is no warning given by an alarm. It is recommended to replace the batteries in these alarms once or twice annually and test them monthly to make sure they are working correctly. Fire extinguishers are also widely employed and should be present in all homes. It is best to have one extinguisher on every floor of the house and regularly inspect them for any leaks. In the event of a fire, having an extinguisher available can greatly increase the chances of controlling the blaze before it gets out of hand.

Ultimately, it is important to take precautionary steps to mitigate the risk of fire. Any highly combustible substances should be stored away from the structure. If they must be kept inside, they must be handled with extreme care. Flammable liquids such as gasoline and propane should be placed far from any possible danger. Lights should be turned off when not in use and nothing combustible should be situated near any bulbs. Outlets should not be overloaded or extended across multiple power strips, and any blown fuses should be replaced correctly.

You are now skilled enough in fire prevention to share this knowledge with your family and friends. The preventive measures discussed in this article could be life-saving, so please spread the word to those who are important to you.