Fire Prevention Month Ten Tips For Preventing House Fires

According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), approximately 13,300 structural fires are caused by clothing dryers or washing machines each year. In recognition of fire prevention month this October, Construction Solutions is offering simple ways to reduce the risk of fire at home.

1. Smoke Alarms should be installed in every room.  It is estimated that over 40 percent of residential fires occur without the presence of smoke alarms.
2. Install fire-rated doors.  Solid wood doors are strong but overall metal are best. Having a tight weather seal will keep hazardous gases from entering the building.
3. Recess your Dryer Vent.  Install the DBX1000M or the DBX1000 by Construction Solutions, a dryer vent box.  These products minimize fire hazards by providing a recessed area in the wall for the vent hose, reducing the possibility of kinks, which contributes to lint build-up.
4. Be sure to clean outside vents regularly and clear the lint trap in the dryer after each load.  Closely follow the manufacturer's instructions for operation.
5. Invest in residential sprinklers.  These greatly reduce the damage caused by fires.  When combined with smoke detectors they reduce the risk of fire deaths by 75 percent.
6. Maintain control of portable heaters and candles.  Do not leave either unattended.  Keep burning candles away from flammable items.
7. Upgrade windows to new dual or triple-glazed windows in every room. These will stand up to high temperatures during a fire.
8. Select fire-retardant roofing materials such as concrete or steel. The roof is the strongest line of defense against fires.  These types of materials are protective in a foliage-borne fire that rains down hot embers.
9. Annual Home Maintenance.  Have a service expert inspect fireplaces and central furnaces once a year. Heating problems are the second leading cause of residential fires.
10. Remove all old electrical cords and be careful not to overload electrical outlets.

For more tips on fire safety and information on better laundry room design, contact Construction Solutions at 866.270.8240 or visit http://www.dryersolutions.com.