One of the biggest threats that face any home is a fire. Fires can break out any time, either as a result of negligence, carelessness, accidents or criminal acts. The risk is even higher for people who live in areas prone to wildfires. While it is impossible to make your home completely fire-resistant, there are many steps you can take to minimize the chances of a fire starting in your home or slow down its spread if it ever happens. These steps can not only save you from massive losses as a result of fire damage, but they can also save you some serious coin on home insurance premiums. The following are some tips on how to fireproof your home;


1. Try a fireproof design
Most of the traditional building materials such as wood can burn to ashes a lot quicker than some of the modern materials that are designed to be fire resistant. For example, some homes are built with concrete panels filed with fireproof foam in the middle which prevents the spread of fire. You can use metal, tile, or concrete on the roof or stone, brick, or stucco for siding. If you must have a wooden roof, make sure all the shingles are painted with some fire-resistant treatment. You should also replace your wooden window frames with metal frames that are known to be more fire resistant.


2. De-clutter
The more stuff you keep in your home, the faster a fire will spread. Go through all your property and toss anything you don't need. It's always a good time to donate to charity.


3. Get rid of candles
Sure, lighting a bunch of candles all over your home can turn it into a romantic haven for you and your better half, but if even one of them is knocked over, things can quickly go from magical to tragic. If you must use them, always make sure that there is nothing close that can catch fire if it fell off the candle holder.


4. Check all your electrical appliances
One of the main causes of home fires is electrical faults caused by electrical appliances. Always ensure that all electrical appliances are using the recommended power especially those with heating elements. Make sure that all the wires are connected properly and do not have any problems.


5. Always check for gas leaks
Gas leaks usually start off small but if left undetected for long, they can easily cause fires that spread extremely quickly. Make it a habit to check for gas leaks every day when you get into and before leaving your kitchen.


6. Install smoke detectors
A smoke detector is a great way to alert you of a fire before it becomes too big to handle. This system works great if the smoke detectors are also connected to a system that alerts you immediately of the fire even when you are not at home and also alerts the fire department for them to act swiftly.
You should also keep a bunch of fire extinguishers spread out around your home so that you can jump into action and stop the fire yourself when your smoke detectors go off.

Remember to check your smoke detectors and fire alarms regularly to ensure they are still working.