House fires can cause injuries, property loss, and death. The good news? They can be prevented. You just have to know what to look for.

In this post, we'll talk about the early signs of a fire in your house so you can take appropriate action and protect your family. 

5 Early Signs of a Fire at Home

Spotting the early signs of fire in your home helps prevent it from becoming a huge disaster. Here are the most common early signs that indicate a potential fire: 

1. Smoke

Smoke is usually one of the earliest signs of fire at home. It indicates that something is burning or smoldering, even without flames. 

Recognizing the presence of smoke and identifying its source help prevent a small fire from turning into a big one. So, when you see smoke or your fire alarm goes off, grab a fire extinguisher, fire spray, or fire blanket to put out the fire.

But if the fire is too big or you feel like you can't put it out on your own, exit your house immediately and call the authorities. 

2. Sparks 

Sparks are another early sign of a fire in your house. Unfortunately, they're also the least noticeable since they're small and dissipate easily. 

But if you see them coming from any part of your home, turn off the power supply and call an electrician immediately. While sparks don't always mean that there's already a fire, remember that it's better to be safe than sorry. 

3. Burning Smells

Can you smell burning plastic, rubber, or wood in your house? A fire is probably looming. 

A burning smell often precedes a fire, especially in an area with electrical issues. This is especially true if the burning odor persists or spreads throughout your house. If you can determine where the smell is coming from, turn off the power supply and call an electrician to inspect your house. 

If the smell spreads but you can't find the source, a fire is probably progressing. Additionally, if the smell becomes extremely strong or you see smoke, evacuate your house immediately and call your local fire department. 

4. Buzzing Sounds

Electricity is quiet, so buzzing sounds (like eggs frying in a pan) coming from your walls, outlets, and extensions mean something is wrong. This is especially true if the sound persists for a few minutes or comes with a burning smell. 

Additionally, buzzing sounds can result from an overloaded circuit, which becomes more risky if unchecked. If you experience this, turn off your house's power supply and call an electrician. 

5. Discolored Outlets

Discolored outlets can be a tell-tale sign of an electrical fire brewing. As fire progresses, the plastic components of your outlets start to melt, becoming black or brownish. Small discolored spots also indicate that a fire is in progress. 

If you encounter these signs, turn off the main power supply and call an electrician. Remember, prevention is always better than cure. 

Conclusion

Knowing the early signs of a fire in your house lets you stop a looming disaster that can destroy your property and take lives. 

Double the protection by having a complete fire kit with a fire blanket, fire spray, and fire protection gloves. Go to Prepared Hero and shop for fire safety tools now!