
Being safe is being smart. This March, as we observe Fire Prevention month, we at COCOGEN have put together a quick list of simple ways you can fireproof your home: 1. Install smoke detectors or alarms. Buying a smoke detector is not just a simple purchase, it’s an investment. Having one or more inside your home can significantly reduce casualties since it can help you and your family assess and maximize escape time available in case of fire. It definitely won’t burn a hole in your pocket- one can easily buy smoke detectors online these days for as low as Php 500.00. Now, it’s not just enough that you have smoke alarms; it’s also important that you know how and where to properly install them inside the house. Here are some of the most strategic locations: – On the ceiling near doorways and stairways. Since smoke rises and tends to go to the easiest escape route. – To minimize false alarms in the kitchen, place smoke alarms 10 meters away from cooking appliances. – If you have a basement, install smoke detectors on the ceiling right at the bottom of the stairs leading to the next floor. – Drafts might interfere with the alarms’ functionalities so make sure you don’t install them near windows, doors, or ducts. – As much as possible, install smoke alarms in every room of your house and interconnect them so that when one alarm is triggered, the others are as well. 2. Keep fire extinguishers ready. Of course, besides smoke detectors, another crucial weapon against fires is a fire extinguisher. It may cost a little more than smoke alarms but it will be an investment you won’t regret. You can purchase these online as well and have them delivered right at your doorstep. This is especially convenient for when you need to replace old ones. Once you’ve acquired a fire extinguisher, check your home and assess which areas contain flammable materials. These are most likely the garage or the kitchen. Take note of expiry dates as well, since fire extinguishers don’t last forever. Oh, and make sure everybody in the house knows how to use one- just remember the PASS (Pull, Aim, Squeeze, Sweep) method. 3. Fireproof your furniture and carpeting. It may cost a little extra but fireproofing your furniture and carpeting can go a long way. When buying home furnishings, ask the store if they offer fireproofing services. For your existing furniture, you can opt to buy fireproofing sprays (bonus: these sprays commonly help in making your furniture resistant to stains as well).