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Steps to Take to Prevent Fire in the Home
5/24/2022 (Permalink)
If your home is damaged in a house fire, SERVPRO of Jonesboro is here to help. Contact us at (870) 934-0501 for any fire restoration needs.
The American Red Cross has responded to more than 20,000 house fires already in 2022, and that only represents some of the total number of fires across the United States.
Smoke detectors are the best preventive tool in your home, but there are steps you can take to protect your life and loved ones. Even simple acts of cleaning can help make your home fire-safe.
Clutter may be a daily battle in your home already, but letting spaces like stairs, halls, and utility areas pile up can be a fire hazard. Extra clothing, blankets, and pillows are fuel to a fire, furthering its spread.
Cloth items left near a water heater can actually start a fire when the water heater turns on. The more you allow your spaces to stay open, the slower a fire can progress and the safer you are able to exit in the event of an emergency.
Overloaded extension cords are another area of your home with a high fire risk. Remove any electrical appliances you don’t use, and unplug those that you don’t use frequently.
Always leave plenty of room between furniture and wall outlets to avoid overheating by allowing for proper airflow.
Your yard can protect your home from fires that originate outside. Being intentional with your landscaping both allows space for firefighters to work and slows the progression of a fire before it gets to your house.
This is so effective that states like California have actually imposed defensible zone regulations for yards, but this type of yard work is smart everywhere. We frequently experience high winds, tornadoes, and severe thunderstorms here, especially in the spring. Our yards are key in stopping electrical fires spurred by these storms.
This doesn’t mean you have to limit what you plant, rather it means strategically placing your plants and trees to offer the most protection. You should also keep your yard clear of dead plants and limbs as these serve as fuel for fires and contribute to the spread. After one of our strong storms clears out, go outside and clean up. It does more than improve appearances.
Cleaning the clutter from your home and yard is only part of how you can protect your house. Have your chimney inspected yearly, and clean your stove regularly to eliminate two high fire risk areas.
It isn’t only deep-cleaning that acts as prevention either; even dusting protects your home. Kill those dust bunnies with pleasure, especially around electrical appliances and wall outlets.
Our homes are no longer only a place of rest—these days, we work, play, and learn in them. Keeping it clean is the easiest way to prevent a disaster from fire.
If you have experienced fire damage or want to learn more about our fire damage restoration services, contact us today. We’re here to act fast, 24⁄7.