Fire Damage Restoration Professional Guide - Preparing for a House Fire

As far as cataclysmic disasters go there are few things as devastating as a fire that damages your property and possessions. A fire in your residence is a frightening and an emotionally exhausting event, whether it destroys everything or not. Nevertheless, there are some measures you can take to lessen the odds of a fire from occurring in your home. The fire damage restoration team from Paul Davis knows the severe situation of home fires and that's why it's important to know how to plan and prepare your residence and what to do when a fire occurs.

The Value of Fire Escape Plans

One of the most important things you can do to prepare for a home fire is to have safety rules ready. Because not all fires are preventable, being safe is a necessity. Every home needs the correct amount of fire extinguishers and smoke alarms set around the property. You should also think about buying smoke alarms that identify smoke that is produced by electrical fires because faulty wiring is one of the main culprits of home fires. Children in the home should be taught what the smoke alarm sounds like when it's triggered and what to do when it does. Other precautions consist of outlining emergency routes in your home. Design a strategy and ensure everybody in the home understands the emergency fire escape routes – there needs to be two exits for each room in the home. Also, it's fundamental to have a designated meeting place outside so you know who gets out of the home and who is absent. Also, it's an excellent idea to create digital copies of important documents such as birth certificates, and you should think about getting a strong box to keep them in. Record all of your personal possessions as well in the event that they are engulfed in flames. Either make a list on a device or snap some photos or videos to catalog your property.

To Lessen the Hazards of House Fires Take These Measures

There are some things to be aware of so you can lessen the hazards and risks that are typically connected with home fires:

  • Smoking: Cigars and cigarettes are extreme risks for fire, and taking your smoking outside is the perfect approach to prevent a home fire. If you smoke indoors, check that you have deep ashtrays and that under any circumstance you don't smoke in bed or while you're lethargic. Additionally, never smoke indoors when someone in the home is on oxygen because this is extremely explosive.
  • Children: Keep any lighters or matches in an area that is out of reach and out of sight from kids to stop their curiosity from starting a fire. Educate your kids that fire is not something to play with as well.
  • Fireplaces: Creosote is very combustible and it forms in your fireplace and chimney after it's been used, so always get your fireplace cleaned and maintained consistently. Having a large, durable screen is also imperative to prevent sparks from entering the room and log rollovers.
  • Portable Heaters: Check that your heater has a control mechanism and a thermostat, and it needs to turn off if it falls over on its side.
  • Appliances and Electrical: Worn down cords and damaged plugs could easily generate a home fire, so make sure to check your appliances routinely for any problems. In addition, keep an eye on your light switches because if they're hot, they have to be changed.
  • Cooking: It's of the utmost importance to be attentive in the kitchen and to not leave food being cooked unattended. Always have somebody there to monitor everything going on.

Get in Touch with the Fire Damage Repair Technicians from Paul Davis

House fires can occur, whether it's a mishap or something out of your control, Paul Davis is here to help out. Our fire damage repair services can re-mediate your residence back to a good condition again. Reach out to us at 888-473-7669 and a franchise near your location will be there for you.