How to Prevent Fires within your Home

6/17/2020 (Permalink)

According to the American Red Cross, house fires cause over $7 billion in property damage each year. Being prepared and conducting regular safety checks can help keep you from adding to that number.

Here are a few tips in trying to prevent a fire in your home:

Test your smoke alarms.

Test the batteries once a month. If they’re not working, replace them immediately.

Inspect heating sources.

An annual inspection will reduce your risk of fire.

• Change filters regularly to avoid build-up of dust and lint that can easily catch fire.

Keep the stove and oven clear.

Don’t leave anything flammable near the stove or oven. Make sure curtains don’t hang over the stove, and never rest towels or a cookbook on the stove.

Stay in the kitchen.

Do not leave cooking food unattended. If you have to leave the room, take the pot off the stove or turn off the griddle first.

Check the dryer.

• Have it inspected once a year to make sure all connections are secure.
• Always clean out the lint trap after a load is finished.
• Regularly check behind and around the dryer for pockets of lint or items of laundry that have fallen under or behind.

Maintain cords.

Regularly check the condition of cords and watch out for frayed wires: repair or replace cords with frayed wires immediately.

Be careful with candles.

Never leave candles unattended and always keep them away from flammable items like blankets and curtains. 

Keep fire extinguishers handy.

Keep fire  extinguishers on hand and easily accessible. At the very least, keep one in the kitchen and others near high-risk areas like a fireplace. 

• Remember R.A.C.E

Fire damage is devastating, stressful, and scary. Let SERVPRO of Carbondale/Marion assist with your fire damage needs by calling (618) 998-8828.