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Losing your home to a fire is one of the most tragic things that can
ever happen in a person’s life. Fortunately, it can be prevented
with careful planning and proper observation of fire safety tips.
Here are some tips on how to build a fire-proof home.
Do not overload outlets or use old or frayed
extension cords.
Replace fuses of the wrong size. Remember that
fuses and circuit breakers protect you from fire: don’t tamper
with the fuse box or use fuses of an improper size.
Keep matches and lighters out of reach of
children. In the hands of a child, matches and lighters are
extremely dangerous. Teach your children that matches and lighters
are tools for adults, not toys for kids. If children find matches or
lighters, they should tell an adult immediately.
Flammable liquids (cleaning fluids, contact
adhesives, etc.) or aerosols must never be stored near the range or
other heat source. Move them to a safe, distant location (preferably
outside of the house).
Remove all materials on or near your stove that
could catch fire, including paper, dishcloths, etc.
Get a kitchen fire extinguisher and learn how to
use it. Keep cooking areas clear of combustibles, and don’t leave
cooking unattended. If grease catches fire, carefully slide a lid
over the pan to smother the flames, then turn off the burner.
Remove electrical cords from under rugs, those
nailed to walls and behind radiators. Replace old damaged cords. If
an appliance smokes or begins to smell unusual, unplug it
immediately and have it repaired.
Check all your electrical cords and replace any
that are cracked or frayed.
Install smoke detectors and check them
regularly. Smoke detectors warn you of fire in time to let you
escape. Install them on each level of your home and outside of each
sleeping area. Replace batteries twice a year, or when the detector
chirps to signal that the battery is dead. Don’t ever take the
battery out for other uses!
With these things in mind, it’s also important
to make sure that your house is made from non-combustible building
board, like James Hardie’s HardiFlex Fiber Cement Boards, a
product of Australian technology utilizing the finest raw materials
and the most exacting manufacturing methods.
While HardiFlex Fiber Cement Boards will not
ignite when exposed to direct flame or contribute fuel to fire, heat
will transfer through them. Because of this, the product itself is
not fire rated.
By having an interior wallboard that resists
burning for one hour, it buys time for the homeowner to get to
safety and fire professionals to effectively control the flame.
Additionally, HardiFlex Fiber Cement Boards
feature a limited transferable product warranty for up to 10 years.
Take heed of these fire safety tips and make
sure your home is made from HardiFlex Fiber Cement Boards, for a
home that’s strong and safe from fires.
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