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Preventing House Fires in Your Home | SERVPRO® of Alamo Heights
8/8/2019 (Permalink)
Most homes come equipped with smoke alarms, but did you know that is not the only way you can mitigate your risk of a house fire?
House fires are more common than most people think and can happen for a variety of reasons. However, being educated about the statistics and prevention methods can go a long way in keeping your home fire-free.
While a house fire may seem like it is something that would never happen to you, the NFPA reports that a fire department responds to a fire every 24 seconds in the United States.
Though over half of house fires are caused by cooking, appliances, faulty electrical wiring and carelessness with open flames are also often to blame. Because of how rapidly fires spread and how devastating they can be, it is essential to be vigilant in prevention for the safety of your household.
The best way to handle a house fire is to be proactive so it never happens in the first place. Minimize your risk of a house fire with these tips:
Check smoke alarms. Smoke alarms should be tested once a month and replaced every 10 years.
Inspect your dryer. Always clean the lint reservoir of your dryer after each load of laundry. Also check the cords frequently to prevent any frays from developing.
Monitor open flames. Fires can start and spread faster than you think, which is why it is important to always monitor any open flame. Never leave candles or cooking unattended, and always extinguish the heat source when leaving the room.
Maintain electrical cords. Check cables and cords frequently for frayed spots and replace them immediately when they develop. Never run electrical cords under rugs or behind furniture, as they can produce heat.
Read product labels. Many regular household items are also highly flammable, such as products in aerosol cans and certain types of chemicals. Be sure these products stay away from heat and direct sunlight to prevent 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.