Decreasing the Chance of Fire Around Your House | SERVPRO® of Cedar Mill/Oak Hills

7/12/2022 (Permalink)

Lit candles likes this one should never be left unattended since flames can spread so quickly in a home.

Preventing fires in your home may not be at the front of your mind, but with these easy tips – we aim to change that. According to the National Fire Protection Association’s data, between the years of 2015-2019 the U.S. experienced an average of about 350,000 home structure fires per year. So you can see why following these easy tips may be to your benefit.

General Fire Safety Tips:

• Make sure there are smoke detectors installed on all levels of the home, especially inside bedrooms and outside of sleeping areas.
• Check each smoke alarm battery at least once a month and replace them as necessary.
• Practice a fire escape plan at least twice per year with the entire household.
• Keep fire extinguishers throughout the house, especially in common areas.
• Clear out dryer lint trays after every use and have your ventilation line cleaned at least once per year.
• Do not run extension cords under rugs, through doors or around corners where they might become pinched.

Kitchen Fire Safety Tips:

• Never leave the stovetop or oven on when you leave the room — the leading cause of kitchen fires is unattended cooking.
• Keep a fire extinguisher stored nearby and be sure everyone in the household knows how to operate it.
• Turn pot handles towards the back of stove so they can’t accidentally get knocked or grabbed by children.
• Avoid wearing loose clothing or shirts with long, hanging sleeves as these could catch fire if it comes in contact with a heat source.
• Don’t throw hot grease in the garbage – instead let it cool and throw it away (and never pour grease or oil down your drain).

Bedroom/Office Fire Safety Tips:

• Always keep an eye on open flames, even candles and guarded fireplaces.
• Never smoke in bed.
• Discontinue and replace frayed phone chargers and other cables immediately.
• Use electric blankets with extreme caution and never sleep with them turned on.
• Keep lamps and electronics that produce heat (i.e. computers) away from curtains or drapes.

If your home has been damaged by fire, you can count on us to respond quickly and help you begin restoration. We can handle damage from flames, smoke, soot and water — call SERVPRO of Cedar Mill/Oak Hills today to learn more.