Imagine stepping out for a short vacation or even just a movie—and returning to find your home damaged by a fire. It’s a nightmare no one wants to face, yet recent incidents show that the threat is very real. One such example occurred on 24 October 2025, when a minor short circuit in an apartment at Sunworld Vanalika, Noida Sector 107, grew into a large fire. Thankfully, no casualties were reported, but the event highlighted how quickly a small spark can escalate.

To help you safeguard your home and loved ones, here are 10 practical and effective ways to fireproof your home.

1. Install Smoke Detectors

Smoke detectors are your first line of defence.
Ensure your home—especially older buildings or independent houses—has detectors in kitchens, hallways, and bedrooms. Test them regularly and replace batteries on time.

2. Use Fire-Resistant Building Materials

When constructing or renovating your home, prioritise safety:

• Choose AAC blocks, concrete, and fire-rated doors
• Use fire-resistant curtains and surface materials
• Avoid excessive use of wood or untreated timber

Fire-resistant materials slow down fire spread, giving residents more time to react.

3. Install Fire-Safe Doors

Fire-rated doors can prevent a flame from spreading rapidly.
Install them in high-risk zones like the kitchen, electrical room, utility area, or any enclosed space with heavy electrical load.

4. Opt for FRLS (Flame Retardant Low Smoke) Cables

Outdated wiring is a common cause of house fires.
Upgrade to FRLS cables to ensure:

• Less smoke emission
• Higher flame resistance
• Reduced risk of electrical short circuits

5. Keep Fire Extinguishers Accessible

Place extinguishers in critical locations such as:

• Kitchen
• Garage
• Near electrical panels

Check them regularly to ensure they function when needed.

6. Choose Fire-Resistant Upholstery Fabrics

Avoid flammable materials like velvet, silk, nylon, and leather.
Instead, choose fabrics like:

• Wool
• Treated cotton
• Fire-retardant polyester

These significantly reduce how quickly flames can spread.

7. Secure LPG Cylinders

Store LPG cylinders in a well-ventilated space, away from heat sources.
Prevent leaks by checking the regulator and hose frequently.

8. Store Chemicals Safely

Keep flammable chemicals and cleaning agents in sealed, isolated storage areas, away from living spaces and heat.

9. Check & Upgrade Windows

If your home is near forests, factories, or high-risk zones, install:

• Double-glazed windows
• Tempered glass

These materials resist heat penetration and reduce fire intrusion.

10. Create an Emergency Escape Plan

A fire escape plan is crucial for multi-storey buildings.

• Identify exits
• Mark safe zones
• Conduct periodic fire drills

This ensures every family member knows how to react in an emergency.

Additional Tips

• Service ACs, refrigerators, and heavy appliances regularly
• Schedule electrical inspections annually
• Keep combustible materials away from heat and electrical sources

While no home can be 100% fireproof, these measures can drastically reduce risks and protect your family.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. What is the best way to fireproof your home?

Combining multiple safety practices is the best approach—install smoke detectors, use fire-resistant materials, maintain electrical wiring, and keep fire extinguishers accessible.

Q2. What is a passive fire protection system?

Passive fire protection involves built-in safety features that limit fire spread, such as:

• Fire-resistant walls
• Fire-rated doors
• Fire-safe windows
• Fire-resistant building materials

These systems work automatically without needing human intervention.

Q3. What are examples of active fire protection systems?

Active fire protection requires action, either manual or automatic. Examples include:

• Fire extinguishers
• Smoke detectors
• Sprinkler systems
• Fire alarms

Q4. Which material is the most fire-resistant?

Concrete, gypsum, and Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (AAC) blocks are among the most fire-resistant materials, followed by steel treated with fireproof coatings.