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The Basics of Household Fire Safety | SERVPRO® of Alamo Heights
1/23/2020 (Permalink)
A house fire can occur when you least expect it. SERVPRO of Alamo Heights is on call 24/7 and will guide you through any fire restoration project.
The importance of practicing fire safety cannot be overstated. House fires are one of the most common types of disasters that can happen to a family, and while property loss is an inconvenience, fires can also claim lives.
Though there is a surplus of fire safety information out there, it is not always easily accessible in one place—that is why we have put together a guide to the basics of house fire safety, so you can easily reference steps you can take to protect your household.
Frequently Check Smoke Detectors. Smoke detectors should be installed in every room and hallway of the home, and include an interconnected system so they will all be triggered if one sounds. Check them every 30 days to ensure they are operational and replace them every 10 years.
Have a Fire Escape Plan. Having a plan in place for if a fire occurs is one of the best things you can do to keep everyone in your household safe. Ensure that all family members are aware of how to exit their rooms, how to check for fire behind doors and know the designated meeting space for everyone to reconvene outside.
Know How to Operate a Fire Extinguisher. Not only is it important to choose the right fire extinguisher, but it is also important to understand how to use one. Remember the P.A.S.S. method and rehearse it regularly to make sure it sticks.
Never Leave Flames Unattended. This may seem like an obvious one, but unattended flames and cooking appliances are some of the top causes of fires. Things that seem harmless, like scented candles or leaving a pot on the stove to simmer while you catch up on other things, can lead to big problems if a fire were to break out.
Keep a Closed-Door Policy. For nighttime fire safety, sleeping with the door closed is one of the best things you can do, as a door will hinder the spreading of the flames. Nighttime fires are quite common and are some of the most fatal, so practicing safe sleeping habits can help you and everyone else in the household stay protected.
If you’d like to learn more about protecting yourself from a house fire and how our restoration services can help you recover, get in touch today to learn more.