20 Ways to Fireproof a New Home

09/01/2016

How to fireproof my house — that’s a common consideration for builders of new homes in the Phoenix area. The following tips can prove invaluable for learning how to fireproof your house and prevent a disaster from occurring:

1. Instead of installing carpeting made of wool or synthetic materials, consider carpeting made from fire-resistant materials that can prevent a fire from spreading as quickly.

2. When installing your appliances or other electronic devices, take care to avoid overloading the electrical wiring, as this can lead to short circuiting and subsequent fires.

3. One of the best ways to fireproof a room used for storage such as a basement or attic is to avoid filling it with flammable “junk” such as newspapers, old clothes and boxes after you move in.

4. Another question that homeowners sometime ask is “How do I fireproof my doors?” While many newer homes feature doors made from metal or other fire-resistant materials, you can also coat doors with fire-resistant paint.

5. If you are buying brand-new furniture for your home, ask the store to coat it with fireproof chemicals. If you are bringing existing furniture, purchase and apply a fireproof spray.

6. Don’t forget to fireproof your outdoor furniture as well, especially patio furniture in close proximity to barbecue grills or fire pits.

7. Place fire extinguishers in as many rooms as possible, particularly “high-risk” rooms such as the kitchen, attic and basement.

8. If you are installing a tile roof, choose interlocking materials free of cracks or openings that can allow burning embers to enter your home.

9. Instead of building your home with wood, consider less combustible materials such as face brick, adobe, metal siding or concrete block.

10. Avoid installing windows with single glazing. Double glazing with tempered glass offers a much more effective defense against fire.

11. Ensure all bathroom, clothes dryer and kitchen vents include fire-rated assemblies and automatic backdraft dampers.

12. Once you’ve moved into your new home, be sure to properly maintain your furnace. The simple act of replacing a clogged filter can significantly reduce your fire risk.

13. A surprising number of fires are caused by accumulated lint in clothes dryers, so be sure to clean the lint trap after each load.

14. Keep all indoor and outdoor candles within plain sight while burning. It is also a good idea to extinguish interior candles when leaving a room.

15. Keep all recycling bins outside, especially during the hot summer months.

16. Turn off any unused appliances prior to leaving your home, even for a short period of time.

17. When setting up a barbecue grill, choose a flat spot located as far away as possible from trees and foliage.

18. Never leave food cooking on the stove or in the oven unattended for any length of time.

19. If you have children, be sure matches and cigarette lighters are kept out of reach.

20. Last, but certainly not least, install an effective, reliable smoke detection and monitoring system.

If your home is located in the Phoenix, AZ area, contact the experts at Titan Alarm to learn more about your fire system options.

Learn More About Fire Alarm Systems

• Smoke Detector Placement Tips
• Smoke Detectors And Fire Systems For Home
• Uncommon Fire Hazards In The Home

Updated by Titan Alarm on November 5, 2018.