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They say, "home is where the heart is." A home provides warmth, shelter, and security from the outside. It keeps its residents safe from the harsh elements of the outside world.; but what about safety from the inside?
Fire safety is and has always been a primary concern of homeowners and home builders alike, along with security and durability. However, with fires being so destructive, it should never be a question of "should I prioritize fire safety?" but rather "what kinds of fire safety systems should I have?"
It's important to know that we can only achieve complete safety through the total cooperation of individuals because fire safety is such a concern.
Therefore, prevention, training, and first response are essential pieces of information everyone should know. These are practiced and maintained by governing bodies such as fire departments, contractors, interior designers, architects, etc. High-rise condominiums, offices, schools, and homes also observe and practice these preventions steps.
Fire is one of the top hazards inside a home, and it's essential to have a home equipped with the proper safety measures, installed with the right tools and systems by the appropriate people, and inspected by the relevant organizations.
Fire Statistics
A report from the National Fire Protection Association states that, in 2020, a home structure fire occurred every 89 seconds, home fire deaths occurred every three hours and 24 minutes, and a home fire injury occurred every 46 minutes. It also states that, in the same year, one-quarter of the fires (26%) occurred in home properties.
These numbers equate to lives lost and properties destroyed during fires. The alarming data pushes everyone to start taking into account the prospect of acquiring a house that's complete with fire safety systems.
One would think that these homes would cost more than a traditional one because of the additional safety measures like fire-resistant doors, alarm systems, etc. However, they cost roughly around the same as a typical home.
There may be some additional cost, but that should not be reason enough to stop constructing safer homes. Besides, different payment methods like installment buying make home-buying a more flexible process for everyone.
Safety in Homes
Now, we go back to the question of "What kinds of safety fire systems should I install?" First, we need to understand the importance of implementing a beautiful yet safe and secure home. Contractors and homebuilders are well-equipped with the knowledge to ensure that everyone living in the house they're building is safe; this includes going over fire safety in the design and blueprint.
Does this mean a home has to be thick, bulky, and unappealing to the eyes? Of course not! Thankfully, there are many ways to achieve a beautifully designed home, equipped with the proper safety tools and systems and carefully designed by professionals who put safety as the top priority.
A Safe and Beautiful Home
Many people think that wanting a safe house means that they have to sacrifice beauty and style, but that's far from the truth. Engineers have been fireproofing construction materials for centuries, and now, modern-day interior designers and architects have made it possible to have a beautiful yet safe home.
Here are some tips that will help achieve a beautiful home without compromising safety and security.
Make it squeaky clean.
Cleanliness is probably one of the most obvious ways to achieve a stylish and safe home. Cleaning is such an integral part of housekeeping. From mopping the floors to wiping countertops, it keeps a home habitable. But apart from that, cleaning can also provide a safe environment for residents.
Simply sorting out wires in electronics helps prevent entanglement that may cause a short circuit, electrical fire, or electric shock. Likewise, sprucing up the lawn, raking dried leaves, and trimming tree branches would keep the outside looking tidy and prevent any combustible material from coming near the home, especially if the house caught fire from the outside.
Use smart technology.
Home automation is one of the indicators of a modern home—from smart curtains to TVs and even vacuums! Smart appliances are a great help for the homeowner since they can monitor, control, and secure activities even when there's no one at home. This activity monitoring is one of the best ways to ensure a safe house.
Some smart appliances also aid in preventing residential fire. Some examples of these are smart smoke detectors, stovetops, and plugs. By utilizing these smart appliances, residents lessen the risk of forgetting to turn off, unplug, or put out their usual fire-causing devices.
Did you know that cooking takes the top spot as the usual cause of house fires? Having the power to regulate the use of these common fire-causing appliances even when not home minimizes the chances of a fire breaking out in the home.
Make the space ergonomic.
Making a space ergonomic is one way to prevent an accident. Ergonomics is the study of people in their working environment. An ergonomist designs or modifies the area to fit the worker, not the other way around, to eliminate discomfort and risk of injury. Adapting the working environment to how a person works could minimize the chances of an injury or accident.
Make sure that the working area, such as a desk or table, is free from clutter. Designate a place where other items not used for work, such as glasses and snacks, can go. Keep wires organized and away from the leg area so they won't be accidentally stepped on or tangled in.
In kitchens, it's essential to have a space for everything—a designated place to put cutlery, the pantry essentials, sauce bottles, condiments, and others. Keep paper towels on a stand and away from stoves, as well. Don't forget to remove aprons, potholders, and any other combustible material away from the stovetop.
Not only are these ways to minimize clutter, but they can also speed up food prep time. And a reminder for everyone when working in an area: "Don't put it down, put it away."
Install safety systems.
Implementing several safety systems in homes, such as fire alarms and security cameras, can significantly help homeowners. These systems are automated and can be remotely accessed. Keeping them maintained and functional is essential to the continuous protection of everyone inside the home.
The good news is that nowadays, safety doesn't have to equate to tacky or boring. As we've mentioned, fireproofing structures have been in process for centuries. Since then, there have been significant improvements in creating these safety systems in materials, compounds, and designs. We now have access to cost-efficient, effective, and stylish materials.
Take an exterior glass, for example. Residential exterior glass is any outer wall made primarily of windows and window framing. Glass windows make any room look spacious. They let the room catch sunlight to make it bright, lift the mood, and turn it into a conducive area for work.
Nowadays, there are exterior glasses made from fire-rated glass that compartmentalize smoke and flames and prevent dangerous levels of heat transmission through its glazing.
Think about the home's layout.
Don't forget that a home's layout is essential in fire prevention, as well as in capturing the overall feel and design. Depending on the location, remembering some safety tips can help immensely. For instance, wildfires typically blaze faster uphill than on a ground level.
Another consideration is the kitchen position. Having the kitchen too far from the entrance could add extra seconds to carrying the grocery bags, but it could also mean extra seconds before getting to the door if a fire breaks out.
Finally, the size of the driveway—a small driveway might be difficult when parking, but it could also mean an ordeal for rescue operators as they try to get inside the area in case of emergencies. Again, homeowners should strategize these details with their contractors, architects, and engineers to optimize the home to the best design and safety practices.
The Breakdown
A home is a place of security for anyone residing there. It keeps them safe, warm, and protected from the elements, including fires. People have been in constant pursuit of the best ways to prevent house fires, and they’ve come a long way, learning from mistakes of the past.
We now have access to many options for fire-preventive systems, tools, designs, and materials. These options don't have to mean tacky or tawdry. With the innovations in technology, we have smart appliances and automated safety systems that look just as chic, all while looking after our homes when we can’t do so personally.
Create the perfect ambiance to relax and unwind when designing a home. The addition of these safety features shouldn't change that feeling.
Home care is more than just cleaning your floors and fixing broken lightbulbs. It takes diligence, effort, and strategy to build a beautiful home that provides safety against people with ill intentions and protection from the forces of nature.
Every homeowner aims to safeguard their homes, and now they can achieve security with style and not one over the other. Gone are the days when we had to choose between what we wanted and what we needed.
