Fire Damage Restoration Professional Guide - Preparing for a Home Fire
As far as destructive accidents go there aren't many events as devastating as a fire that destroys your house and belongings. A fire in your house is a harrowing and an intensely draining event, whether it destroys everything or not. But there are certain measures you can implement to decrease the chances of a fire from happening in your house. The fire damage restoration team from Paul Davis knows the severe condition of home fires and that's why it's important to know how to prepare your property and what to do when a fire happens.Have Fire Escape Plan at All Times in Position
One of the more vital things you can do to prepare for a home fire is to have safety rules ready. Since not all fires are avoidable, being safe is necessary. All properties need the right amount of fire extinguishers and smoke alarms located throughout the property. You should also consider buying smoke alarms that identify smoke that is caused by electrical fires because damaged wiring is one of the main culprits of home fires. Children in the home should be educated on how a smoke alarm sounds when it's triggered and what to do when this happens. Create fire escape routes and ensure everybody is attentive of them. Always have two exits from every room in the house. You'll also want to have a planned meeting spot outside of the house so that you're sure everybody gets out safely. It's also a great idea to make replicas digitally of important documents such as birth certificates, and you should consider a strong box to keep them in. Record all of your personal possessions too in the event that they are engulfed in flames. You could either create a list on paper or take pictures or videos to catalog your property.What to Be Cognizant of to Minimize Home Fire Risk
Despite the fact that some fires are uncontrollable, here are some precautions you need to implement to prevent a home fire:- Fireplaces: Having a proper fireplace screen is essential for the safety of your house and everybody in it. Make sure it is sturdy enough to stop logs that roll and flares. Additionally, you need to clean and maintain your fireplace routinely to clear away the highly flammable creosote that forms.
- Portable Heaters: It's imperative to keep any combustible or flammable objects at least three feet from a space heater. {Additionally,} you will want your space heater to have a control mechanism as well as other safety features such as turning off when it falls over.
- Smoking: Cigars and cigarettes are serious hazards for fire, and smoking outside is the best way to prevent a home fire. When you smoke inside, check that you have deep ashtrays and that you never smoke in bed or while you're lethargic. Additionally, not under any situation should you smoke inside when someone in the home is on oxygen as this is very explosive.
- Children: Train your children that fire is not a toy, and make sure to store lighters and matches in a safe place that is out of sight and out of reach.
- Cooking: The kitchen is one of the more common places for a fire to develop. It's vital to be aware of what's on the stove or in the oven, and when you need to leave, have somebody keep an eye on it until you come back.
- Appliances and Electrical: Check your light switches to see if they need to be replaced. When you touch them and they're hot, that's a sign that they're defective. Another thing you need to do is check your electrical appliances for worn out cords and defective plugs.
