Does Your Family Know Fire Safety Basics? | SERVPRO® of Alamo Heights

10/19/2018 (Permalink)

Did you know that every year in the United States, more than 350,000 house fires occur, adding up to more than $5.5 billion in property damage? Beyond the financial costs, these fires also lead to nearly 3,000 deaths and another 10,000 injuries.

Your best defense against a fire is to prepare in advance. That’s why it’s important for every person in your family to know how to prevent fires and what to do if they occur.

Start teaching your kids basic fire safety guidelines early in life. Let’s also take a look at three other fire safety practices you can practice as a family:

Create a Plan

If a fire sparks, every person in the family needs to know what to do—including how to get out of the house and where to go once they’re out.

But don’t just create a plan and forget it.

As the saying goes, “practice makes perfect.” Regularly practice the routine of what to do. Doing so will make you more likely to remember the steps if an actual fire occurs.

Look Out for Fire Hazards

If you were to take a look through your home, you might be surprised how many fire hazards you spot! Take some time to go through every room and your outdoor space to uncover these hazards.

• Make sure appliances are in good shape.
• Check that electrical cords aren’t frayed or otherwise damaged.
• Make sure outlets and/or extension cords aren’t overloaded.
• Ensure light fixtures are using the correct wattage of light bulbs.
• Double-check that electrical wiring is not covered up by rugs or carpet.

Watch Yourself in the Kitchen

Cooking is the biggest single cause of home fires. That’s why it’s important to be especially careful in the kitchen.

Anyone who’s cooking needs to practice some basic cooking safety:

• Never cook when tired or otherwise not able to pay attention.
• Always supervise kids and teens when they cook.
• Keep a lid nearby when cooking on the stove in case of a grease fire. If a small grease fire occurs, smother it with the lid.
• If the oven catches on fire, turn it off and keep the door closed.

If a kitchen fire occurs and begins to spread, leave the room and close the door.

If your family has experienced a fire and needs help restoring your home, SERVPRO® of Alamo Heights can help! Give us call to learn about our fire restoration services and what we can do for you.