Plan & Prepare for a Home Fire - Guidance from Fire Damage Restoration Professionals
When it comes to difficult life events, there few events as draining than a fire that damages your home and personal possessions. As a fire damage restoration company, Paul Davis understands what a significant hazard house fires are. Without notification, all it takes is a couple of minutes before flames are blazing. A fire in your home is a terrible and emotionally exhausting situation, whether it destroys everything or not. But you can do individual things to ensure that you are all set for when a fire occurs.Fire Preparation - Property Recovery & Emergency Plans
When it comes to home fires, some of them aren't in your control and can't be avoided. That is why the most fundamental thing you can do is have safety procedures ready. Fire extinguishers and smoke alarms are a necessity, and always check that you have the correct number to suit your property. But you should consider using smoke alarms that can identify smoke from fires caused by electricity, since damaged wiring can be a cause of house fires. When you have children, you'll want to train them on how the smoke alarm sounds and what to do when in the case where one goes off. Some other precautions include planning out fire escape routes in your home. Create a strategy and ensure everyone in the house understands the fire escape routes – there should be two exits for every room in the home. Also, it's important to have a designated meeting spot outside so you know who gets out of the house and who is absent. Also, it's a great idea to make replicas digitally of important documents such as birth certificates, and you should think about getting a fire safety box to keep them in. Make a list of your personal belongings too in case they are engulfed in flames. You can either prepare a list on paper or snap some photos or videos to catalog your property.What to Think about to Decrease Home Fire Risk
While some fires aren't avoidable, there are some things you can do to minimize the probability of a fire from happening in your home:- Portable Heaters: It's vital to keep any combustible or flammable objects at least three feet from a space heater. {In addition,} you will want your heater to have a control mechanism as well as other features for safety such as turning off if it falls over.
- Appliances and Electrical: Examine your light switches to see if they need to be changed out. When they're hot to the touch, that's a sign that they're damaged. In addition, check your electrical appliances for frayed cords and defective plugs.
- Children: Children are curious and fire is fascinating for them, so instruct your children that fire isn't a toy. Additionally, store lighters and matches in a spot that's out of sight and out of reach.
- Cooking: Always remain in the kitchen while you're cooking and don't leave it unattended. When you need to leave the kitchen, get someone to watch over the food until you come back.
- Smoking: Cigarettes and cigars are severe fire threats, and smoking outside is the perfect way to prevent a house fire. When you smoke inside, see that you have ashtrays with deep walls and that you never smoke in bed or while you're lethargic. In addition, not under any situation should you smoke inside if someone in the house is using oxygen since this is very explosive.
- Fireplaces: It's essential to clean routinely and examine your fireplace for damages and creosote. Use a fireplace screen that is strong and large enough to prevent logs from rolling and catch flying sparks.
