The Importance of Planning for Home Fires - What to Prepare & Plan

When it comes to difficult life events, there few events as draining than a fire that harms your residence and personal property. As a fire damage restoration company, Paul Davis understands what a significant hazard home fires are. Without notification, it just takes two minutes before flames are ignited. A fire in your residence is a horrible and emotionally draining event, whether it destroys everything or not. However, you can prepare specific things to make sure that you are ready for when a fire happens.

Get Your Residence Prepared for a Fire & Always Have a Fire Escape Strategy

One of the most vital things you can do to prepare for a home fire is to have safety practices ready. Because not all fires are preventable, being safe is necessary. All properties need the correct amount of smoke alarms and fire extinguishers located around the property. You should also consider obtaining smoke alarms that detect smoke that is caused by electrical fires because damaged wiring is one of the main culprits of home fires. Kids in the home should be instructed on how a smoke alarm sounds when it's triggered and what to do when it does. Next, have your emergency program in order. Everyone in the home needs to know two ways to escape from every room and where to relocate outside when a fire happens. Also, make sure that everyone knows how to call 911 in the case of a house fire. It's also a great idea to create digital copies of valuable documents like birth certificates, and you should consider a strong box to keep them in. Record all of your personal belongings too in case they are burned up by the flames. You can either create a list or take photos or videos to document your property.

Things to Be Cognizant of to Minimize Home Fire Risk

Here are some things to keep in mind so you can lessen the dangers and risks that are connected with home fires:

  • Smoking: Cigarettes and cigars are severe risks for fire, and taking your smoking outside is the finest method to prevent a home fire. If you smoke inside, check that you have deep ashtrays and that under any circumstance you don't smoke in bed or while you're lethargic. In addition, never smoke inside when someone in the home is on oxygen since this is very combustible.
  • Children: Explain to your kids that fire is not a toy, and make sure to keep matches and lighters in an area that is out of sight and out of reach.
  • Fireplaces: Creosote is extremely flammable and it forms in your fireplace after it's been used, so make sure to get your fireplace cleaned routinely. Getting a big, strong screen is also important to prevent sparks from flying into the room and log rollovers.
  • Portable Heaters: It's fundamental to relocate any combustible items at least three feet away from a portable heater. {In addition,} you will need your heater to have a control mechanism too and other features for safety such as turning off when it falls over.
  • Appliances and Electrical: Perform a routine examination on your electrical appliances and make sure the cords and plugs are in good condition. If your light switches are hot to the touch, then it's time to replace them.
  • Cooking: It's critical to be watchful in the kitchen and to not ignore cooking food alone. Always have somebody there to watch everything going on.

Contact the Fire Damage Restoration Professionals from Paul Davis

Home fires can occur, whether it's an accident or something completely out of your control, Paul Davis is here to help out. Our fire damage restoration services can restore your residence back to a livable condition again. Get in touch with Paul at 888-473-7669 and a franchise in your area will be there for you.