Prevention Tips for House Fires | SERVPRO® of North Kenosha County
8/7/2019 (Permalink)
Prevention Tips for House Fires | SERVPRO of North Kenosha County
Not only are house fires extremely dangerous, but they also can cause expensive damages. The most effective house fire prevention tip is installing and regularly testing smoke alarms, but there are many other ways to stop house fires before they start.
The Numbers Surrounding House Fires
House fires occur far more often than one would estimate. In fact, at least two house fires are reported every minute, according to the National Fire Protection Association.
About half of the house fires reported are cooking-related incidents, but that is not the only cause to spark a flame.
Tips for the Prevention of House Fires
Fires are incredibly fast-spreading, and one simple mistake can lead to a devastating amount of flames in an instant. Learning the steps for preventing house fires is the best thing to do to keep flames from starting:
Maintain smoke alarms. Working smoke detectors are the best defense against fires because they are the most efficient way to alert the household that smoke is present. Monthly battery tests should be performed, and the entire unit should be updated every 10 years.
Clean the dryer. Dryer lint is the perfect combustible material when combined with the heat from the dryer. The lint tray should be cleared after each load to avoid a build-up of lint.
Watch open flames. Candles, cooking and fireplaces are just some of the reasons most people are exposed to open flames every day—making it easier to normalize them and forget their risk. Because of how quickly flames can spread, it is advised to never leave them unattended.
Maintain wiring. Household wires and cables can become a fire hazard if they are used when frayed or otherwise compromised. Check them often and replace once they become worn.
Shelter household chemicals. Household products often contain chemicals that are highly flammable, especially when stored in aerosol cans. Keep any of these products protected from sunlight or heat to avoid combustion.
If your home has suffered damage from a house fire, give us a call. We are certified in fire and soot remediation, and here to help 24⁄7.