Fire Safety at Home: Extinguishers, Blankets and Escape Plans
House fires double in danger during blackouts (candles, alternative heating). The right equipment in the right place saves lives — and classes matter more than brands.
Extinguisher classes
A: solids (wood, paper) · B: liquids (oil, petrol) · C: gases · F: cooking oil. Kitchen: class F or a fire blanket. Living areas: foam/ABC powder.
Fire blankets belong in the kitchen
For pan fires and burning clothing: pull, cover, NEVER lift to check. Never water on burning oil — explosive steam.
Smoke detectors save the first 3 minutes
One per floor, in bedroom corridor, kitchen (heat detector there). Test monthly, change batteries yearly — or 10-year sealed units.
Escape plan in 15 minutes
Two escape routes per room, meeting point outside, hands crawling low under smoke. Practice with kids twice a year.
Fire prevention during blackouts
Candles only on non-flammable bases, never in bedrooms. Alternative heaters need 1 m clearance. Overloaded outlets are the most common household ignition source.