Introducing Rafter’s Expert Interview Series

At Rafter, we believe that proactive home care is key to maintaining a safe and healthy living environment. That’s why we’re launching our Expert Interview Series, where we sit down with specialists across different fields of homeownership to share practical insights that help homeowners take better care of their homes.

To kick things off, we spoke with Tom Harris, a lieutenant and head of training for the Millwood Fire Department in Northern Westchester, as well as an experienced fire protection consultant. Fire safety is one of the most critical aspects of homeownership, affecting not just your property but also the safety of your family. We wanted to dive into what homeowners can do to prevent fire hazards, stay prepared in an emergency, and ensure their fire safety equipment is up to date.

Key Takeaways from Our Conversation with Tom Harris

During our conversation, Tom shared a wealth of knowledge on fire safety. Here are some of the most important takeaways for homeowners:

1. Develop a Fire Escape Plan: Emergencies are disorienting. Having a plan in place and discussing it with your family can make a huge difference in a fire emergency.

2. Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Detectors Matter: Install smoke detectors on every floor and in every bedroom. Test them regularly and replace batteries twice a year.

3. Keep Fire Extinguishers Handy: Fire extinguishers should be accessible, especially in kitchens. If yours is expired, replace it immediately.

4. Watch Out for Common Fire Hazards: Dryer vents filled with lint, unattended candles, and malfunctioning fuel-fired appliances are some of the most common causes of home fires.

5. Consider Sprinkler Systems: While more common in commercial buildings, home sprinkler systems can be a life-saving investment.

6. NFPA Resources: The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) has excellent guides on home fire escape planning and safety, which we’ve linked at the end of this post.

Full Interview Transcript

Anil Nathan (Rafter): Hey everybody, this is Anil Nathan, Rafter co-founder and host of the inaugural episode of our new Expert Interview Series, where we’ll be speaking with experts across every aspect of homeownership to share their expertise and advice. Today, I am joined by Tom Harris, a lieutenant and the head of training for the Millwood Fire Department here in Northern Westchester, as well as an experienced fire protection consultant. Tom, thanks so much for joining us today.

Tom Harris: Yeah, thank you for having me.

Anil Nathan: So maybe to start, would love to dig into your background a little bit. I know being a firefighter is definitely a family business, but it seems like you have an especially extensive history with the fire department. Could you share a bit about that and how it influenced your decision to pursue this path?

Tom Harris: Absolutely. I’ve always grown up around the fire service. My grandfathers on both sides were firefighters, as well as my dad, uncle, and cousin. So it was almost inevitable that I’d follow the same path. I started as a volunteer firefighter when I was 16 and have been deeply involved ever since.

Anil Nathan: That’s great. And beyond being a firefighter, you’re also a fire protection consultant. Can you tell us a bit about what that means and how you got into that field?

Tom Harris: I’ve always been interested in how things work, especially from a mechanical and safety standpoint. So after starting in the fire service, I pursued a degree in Fire Protection Engineering from the University of New Haven. I worked as a career firefighter for a while, but after an injury, I transitioned to fire protection consulting. I started with a fire protection installation company, working on high-profile projects in NYC, and later moved to NFPA, where I focused on fire protection codes and standards. Now, I work as a private consultant, handling everything from sprinkler system design to fire safety in battery energy storage systems and solar projects.

Anil Nathan: That’s an impressive background! One of the reasons I was so excited to talk with you is because, at Rafter, we emphasize a proactive approach to homeownership. And when it comes to home safety, fire prevention is critical. From your experience, why is it so important for homeowners to be intentional about fire safety?

Tom Harris: The biggest thing is preparation. Emergencies are chaotic, and a fire can be incredibly disorienting. If a fire breaks out in the middle of the night, you might wake up to thick smoke, loud alarms, and confusion. Having a plan in advance—knowing your exits, making sure alarms work, and having fire extinguishers ready—can save lives.

Anil Nathan: It’s a really great piece of advice. I imagine most homeowners have never taken the time to develop a fire escape plan, let alone communicate it to their family. What’s the best way to get started with that? Are there any resources that can help?

Tom Harris: Absolutely. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) has great resources for homeowners, including guides on fire escape planning. Their website provides templates and step-by-step instructions for creating a plan, which includes identifying all exits, establishing a meeting place outside the home, and practicing fire drills with the family.

Anil Nathan: That’s great. We’ll be sure to link to that in the blog post. Aside from having a plan in place, what are some of the most overlooked fire hazards in a home?

Tom Harris: A few major ones stand out:

• Dryer Vents – Lint buildup is extremely flammable, and if your dryer malfunctions, it can ignite very quickly. This is one of the most common causes of house fires.

• Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Detectors – Many homeowners either don’t have them installed in the right places or forget to check if they’re functioning properly.

• Heating Appliances & Open Flames – Space heaters, unattended candles, fireplaces—these are all major fire hazards if not properly managed.

• Electrical Hazards – Overloaded power strips, frayed wires, or outdated electrical systems can also pose significant risks.

Anil Nathan: Those are really helpful points. You mentioned smoke and carbon monoxide detectors—this is an area where a lot of homeowners seem to be confused. What’s required, and what’s recommended beyond that?

Tom Harris: The code varies by location, but a general rule of thumb is to have one smoke detector on every floor and in every bedroom. For carbon monoxide detectors, at least one per floor is recommended, particularly near fuel-burning appliances. It’s also crucial to test them regularly and replace batteries twice a year.

Anil Nathan: That’s super helpful. And finally, one last question: If you could give homeowners one piece of advice to improve fire safety in their homes today, what would it be?

Tom Harris: Be proactive. Fire safety is all about prevention. Check your smoke detectors, clean your dryer vent, and make sure you have a fire escape plan. A little preparation goes a long way in keeping your home and family safe.

Anil Nathan: That’s fantastic advice. Tom, thank you so much for sharing your expertise!

Tom Harris: Thank you for having me!

Final Thoughts

Fire safety is one of the most critical aspects of responsible homeownership. A few proactive measures—like maintaining smoke detectors, cleaning dryer vents, and having an emergency plan—can go a long way in protecting your home and family. If you haven’t already, take a few minutes today to check your fire safety equipment and discuss an emergency plan with your household.

For additional fire safety resources, check out the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) home fire escape planning guide.

Stay safe, and stay proactive!