At FireDestroyer.com we know that every homeowner wants to protect their family and home from a fire catastrophe. Here are some simple tips you have probably already thought about, or already done, in one way or another, but this reminder can help encourage you to continue taking the proper action.
Outside items:
Create spaces (fuel breaks) by careful and creative use of driveways, gravel or cement walkways, and lawns. One of the best outside safety devices is to keep potential fuel loads away from structures.
Store firewood away from your house and other structures.
Keep a 30' clearing around your house for ease of firefighting equipment.
If you live in a fire area which is prone to seasonal neighborhood conflagrations, install 1/8" or smaller wire mesh over your home attic vents to prevent sparks from entering.
Remove leaf clutter from your roof and yard.
Prune large trees so that there is a six to ten foot area between the ground and the low limbs.
Space all trees and shrubs carefully to avoid "ladder fuels" from assisting the spread of fire.
If burn barrels are used, a 14 gauge (1/4" holes) screen should be used on top and there should be at least a 10' clearance on all sides. Keep a water hose handy, and be sure to attend the fire until the burning is out.
Use of fire-resistant plants such as deciduous trees and shrubs in landscaping your yard will help prevent fire spread to your home. Use trees and shrubs which have a water-like sap and no strong odor. Trees with a papery type bark are also to be avoided.
Keep all lawns and plants green and well watered.
Inside the house:
Every floor of the home should have a 5# (pound) fire extinguisher located in a central location.
Areas which have a higher than normal risk of fire danger (for example, the furnace room) should have its own easily accessed fire extinguisher.
Instruct all residents (especially children) in proper fire safety, emergency procedures and how to call for help.
Practice a prepared emergency evacuation program.
Periodically examine all fire extinguishers to ensure they are up to date, and fully charged.
Avoid overuse of extension cords, especially in an area where they can be stepped on or become frayed.
Keep combustible materials in their proper place.
Help to prevent chimney fires by cleaning flues on a regular basis.
Don't have combustible items sitting on or near your cooktop stove.
While most of these items are common sense issues, faithfully exercising these simple ideas will make your home safer. If you observe that I have overlooked a fire safety item, please contact me so I can add it. This article is truly a work-in-progress.
On behalf of all of us here at FireDestroyer.com, thank you for paying attention to these important tips.
Leland Spencer
Quality Fire Extinguishers For Your Home 
