There are many instances where a household fire is unavoidable, and make fire damage restoration a necessity. Many times, though, fires within your home can be avoided with some simple habits and mindfulness. Sometimes we can prevent a fire from spreading if proper precautions are in place. In the event there is a fire in your home, please remember your safety and the safety of those inside is what is most important and to avoid any unnecessary risk. Here are some tips we feel may be helpful in fire prevention within your home or even your business.
Use Safe Cooking Practices
Cooking requires heat, oil, and sometimes even open flames. These can all lead to a devastating situation if you are not mindful of your surroundings and some of the risks. Oil and grease are flammable and can start fires that grow and spread very quickly. Another potential risk is burning food. Be sure to always be present when cooking. Using a timer can help you avoid burning food altogether. Be sure to keep fabrics away from open flames. Its important to always keep your stove top clean before use in order to prevent food or oil from catching fire while cooking. Avoid the need for fire damage restoration services by being safe and attentie in the kitchen.
Never Leave A Flame Unattended
Leaving a fire unattended is a recipe for disaster and should be avoided at all costs. Whether it is a large fire like that in a fireplace or even a small candle, it can still lead to a dangerous situation. Always keep an eye on open flames and heat sources, and be sure there is nothing flammable in the immediate vicinity- like fabrics, paper materials, or house plants.
Keep A Fire Extinguisher Handy
Keeping a fire extinguisher in your home can possibly prevent a small fire from spiraling out of control. Keeping one at arms reach in your kitchen or next to your source of heat can greatly benefit you in the event that you catch a fire very quickly. All fires can cause serious damage and risks so it’s important to consider your safety first.
Regularly Maintain Your Smoke Detectors
Keeping smoke detectors can save your life in the event of a fire and notify you in time to get out or even mitigate the fire with your fire extinguisher with the right conditions. Change your batteries annually or if your smoke detector is chirping to signal a low battery. If your smoke detectors are over 10 years old it may be time to consider replacing them.
Clean The Filters In Your Appliances
Fires can be started by too much lint in your laundry dryer, or too much dust in your AC filters. Regular care and maintenance of these things can help you to avoid the risk of a house fire. Be sure to clean your lint trap before every use, and it is recommended to clean or replace your air filter every 1-3 months.
Keep Your Electronics Up To Date
Old or damaged wiring can cause a fire to start in your home. It may feel like a splurge to replace that olf coffee maker or toaster- but it very well can be an investment for safety. The same can be said for the wiring in your home- though luckily if your wiring was done correctly it is estimated to last 50-70 years. If you are experiencing abnormalities with your electrical wiring such as flickering lights, regular tripping of breakers, sparking or smoking, or burning smells, for example, it may be beneficial to speak to a professional about your wiring to avoid the need for fire damage restoration.
These are some manageable practices to help you keep your home free of fires. Accidents do happen, and if you are in a situation where an accident leads to a house fire know that you are not alone. Regardless of how the fire is started, Urgent Restoration will be there for you to bring your home back to its original state as quickly and efficiently as possible. If you are dealing with fire damage and are in need of fire damage restoration, call us right away.
Aaron Iannuzzi is the owner of Urgent Restoration with over a decade of experience in the restoration industry. Aaron started Urgent Restoration in 2018 and has locations in Florida and Georgia. The company specializes in water damage restoration, mold remediation, fire remediation and more. Aaron and his team of experienced technicians are proud to serve their communities to restore their homes and businesses back to normal.