Fire can strike your mobile home unexpectedly at any time of the year and the results can be devastating.
Mobile homes have a different design than traditional houses, so they also need specific preventative measures to help prevent potential fires. More than 2,500 people die, and 12,500 get injured in home fire-related incidents. So, you shouldn’t overlook this.
In this post, we’ll talk about the ways you can prevent potential fires in your mobile home, saving your lives.
Let’s take a look.
Mobile Home Fires
A house fire is the most dangerous yet overlooked thing that could happen to your mobile home. Taking preventive measures against fire hazards should be the first thing you should do when moving into a mobile home. Because overlooking that can end up costing your life.
A report by the NFPA (National Fire Protection Association) from 2013 displays some shocking statistics. From 2007 to 2011 –
- 434 people got injured in mobile home fires
- 206 people died in mobile home fires
- And $179 million in damages were also caused by mobile home fires
Mobile home fires are more common than we’d like to admit, and the results are always devastating. But understanding what can cause the fire and taking steps to prevent it can help protect your and your family’s lives.
How To Prevent Mobile Home Fires?
As they say, “Better safe than sorry.” In other words, if you don’t see irreparable damage caused by a house fire, you better take steps to prevent it.
There are a lot of things you could do to prevent any accidental fires in your mobile home. Let’s take a look at how you can prevent potential house fires.
Install Smoke Detectors
Smoke detectors are the first thing you should invest in. Mount them high up near every room except the kitchen. And don’t forget to change the batteries on them twice a year and check if they’re dead. Dead batteries inside smoke detectors can cause fire hazards. And once every month, vacuum any dust inside them.
Having smoke detectors and alarms is crucial for the safety of your home.
Keep Fire Extinguishers
Buy and keep at least 2 fire extinguishers at your home. Keep one in your kitchen and another one near the furnace. And before you buy one, make sure they’re – dry chemical, multi-purpose, and effective against Class A, B, and C fires.
Teach all your family members how to use them. Having the bigger ones would be ideal. The smaller fire extinguishers only last 10-15 seconds. So, be confident and shoot straight at the fire.
Check Wires And Outlets
Faulty wiring and electric short circuit are the biggest reasons behind house fires.
Regularly check your electric cords, outlets, and switches for faulty wiring. And make sure never to run a temporary extension cord under a rug. Call your local electrician immediately if your circuit breaks frequently or you’re having any electric issues. Quality mobile home skirting can also help keep wiring underneath your home safer from elements.
Keep Your Electronics Safe
Using ganged multi-plugs can be dangerous. Instead of that, use a surge protector as an alternative. Dust off the electronics regularly and remove any lint from the dryer, air intake vents, and furnace.
Upgrade Portable Heaters
Upgrade your old space heaters and get electric radiant heaters instead. They are equipped with automatic shut-off and anti-tip features. Always keep combustibles at least 36 inches away from your heater. And never use an extension cord on it.
Be Careful Smoking Inside
There are a lot of cases of mobile home fires caused by cigarettes causing accidental fires. So, always try to smoke outside your house and extinguish it properly in a water-filled container to help prevent accidental fires.
Store Flammables In Safe Places
Keep all your flammable objects like lighters, gasoline, and cleaning products away from children. Store them in a cool place, to prevent them from combusting due to external heat.
Plan An Emergency Escape Route
If you fail to prevent a fire, make sure to have an emergency escape door and clear all obstructions. Always keep the doors and windows free as they’re the key exit points if a fire breaks out. The key thing to note, windows are preferred over doors as primary exit points in mobile homes.
To Wrap It Up
House fires always strike out of the blue. That’s why you should always be prepared. By implementing the above preventions, you can ensure the safety of yourself and your family.
