3 Ways to Prevent a House Fire | SERVPRO of Victor/Canandaigua

9/27/2023 (Permalink)

House fires are a disastrous event for your family. Let SERVPRO of Victor/Canandaigua help so you can focus on what matters.

We all can agree that suffering a house fire is one of the most unfortunate possibilities of being a homeowner. No one wants to think about their hard-earned possessions and precious keepsakes going up in flames, not to mention the sheer danger that unexpected fires bring. 

There are over 350,000 house fires every year in the United States, and most of them are preventable. By knowing what to avoid in your home and how to use fire and heat safely, you can significantly reduce your risk for suffering a house fire. 

Stay Present in the Kitchen

Most house fires start in the kitchen, but that should be no surprise since we use heat to cook almost all of our food. Never leave a boiling pot unattended or walk out of the room for any reason if you have something on the stove or in the oven. All it takes is a single spark or a kitchen towel placed just a little too close to the burner to start a huge blaze. 

You should cut down on the amount of flammable materials that you have in the kitchen and keep the clutter to a minimum. In addition, you should also have a fire extinguisher that is kept in the kitchen at all times. If a fire does break out, a quick reaction and passing the extinguisher over the flames can take care of the problem instantly. 

Control Your Electronics 

Electrical fires are also a hazard and account for many house fires across the country. Unplug appliances or electronics when they are not in use, and limit the amount of things plugged into an outlet or extension cord. Never “daisy-chain” extension cords, which entails plugging extension cords into other extension cords.

You should also never charge your phone or tablets underneath your pillow. Electronics that cannot properly vent can overheat and catch anything flammable on fire. Consider investing in surge protectors around your home to help control any unexpected electrical surges as well. 

Arm Your Smoke Detectors 

When was the last time you checked your smoke detector batteries? You should be testing each of your alarms once a month to make sure they are working properly. Each level of your home should have a smoke detector and you should especially be sure that one is located inside each bedroom or sleeping area.   

Smoke detectors should also be completely replaced every 10 years, so if yours are older than that or if you recently moved and aren’t sure how old yours are, replace them now to be on the safe side.

Remember, we are always here for you to help if you do suffer fire damage in your home. We can restore and rebuild any part of your home quickly and efficiently. 

House fires can be devastating. Call SERVPRO of Victor/Canandaigua right away for a full restoration.