The fire damage restoration professionals at Paul Davis understand how detrimental house fires are. Not only can house fires decimate your home and personal belongings, but they are emotionally unsettling and make you feel unsafe. Fires can happen without a moment’s notice and can be caused by a number of things, and they can be out of your control such as natural disasters or your neighbor’s house being on fire. However, there are some precautions you can take to lessen the dangers of a house fire in your home.
The Emphasis of Emergency Strategies
When it comes to home fires, some of them aren’t can be in control and can’t be prevented. That’s why it’s necessary to have safety procedures ready. Fire extinguishers and smoke alarms are necessary, and always check that you have the right number to accommodate your residence. However, you should think about installing smoke alarms that can detect smoke from fires produced by electricity, since defective wiring is one of the main causes of house fires. If you have children, you’ll want to instruct them on how the smoke alarm sounds and what to do when one goes off.
Come up with fire escape routes and ensure everyone is attentive of them. There should always be two exits out of all rooms in the house. You’ll also need to have a designated meeting spot outside of the house so that you’re sure everyone gets out securely.
It’s also a good idea to make digital copies of important documents such as birth certificates, and you should consider a strong box to store them in. Record all of your personal belongings too in case they are engulfed in flames. Either make a list on paper or snap some pictures or videos to document your things.
To Lessen the Risks of a Fire in Your Residence Perform These Precautions
There are some things to recognize so you can minimize the risks and hazards that are typically correlated with house fires:
- Portable Heaters: Make sure your heater has a thermostat and a control mechanism, and it should switch off if it falls over on its side.
- Appliances and Electrical: Shredded cords and broken plugs could easily start a house fire, so make sure to examine your appliances regularly for any problems. Additionally, keep an eye on your light switches since if they’re hot, they have to be changed.
- Children: Store any matches or lighters in a place that is out of sight and out of reach from children to stop their curiosity from starting a fire. Teach your children that fire is not a toy as well.
- Cooking: It’s important to be aware in the kitchen and to not ignore cooking food alone. Without exception have someone there to monitor everything going on.
- Smoking: Inside smoking makes your house vulnerable to house fires, so the best way to avoid a disaster is to smoke outdoors. If you do smoke indoors, have the proper ashtrays to restrain a cigar or cigarette from falling onto the ground. Yet, if someone in the house is using oxygen, do not smoke indoors since oxygen is highly combustible.
- Fireplaces: Obtaining a suitable fireplace screen is integral for the safety of your house and everyone who resides in it. Make sure it is sturdy enough to prevent rolling logs and sparks. You also should clean and maintain your fireplace and chimney routinely to erase the extremely flammable creosote that forms.
Reach Out to the Experienced Fire Damage Restoration Technicians at Paul Davis
If you experience a house fire, don’t wait to call Paul Davis. Our professional team has the knowledge you need with fire damage restoration services and we’ll have your house back to a habitable condition. Get in touch with us at 628-730-6106 and a local franchise near you will be prepared to help out.