A fire in your home is a terrifying thought. No one wants to deal with the tragedy of a home fire and the damage that comes along with it, but luckily there are a number of easy steps that we can all take to prevent a fire. Fire restoration can be a costly service, so make sure to prevent the need for it with the following tips.
Tips for Cooking
- Always stay in the kitchen when you are cooking any type of food. Even if you plan to leave for just a quick moment, always turn the stove off.
- Teach children to stay far away from cooking areas. Enforce a “kid-free zone” of about 3-feet from the stove.
- Always wear close-fitting clothes while you are cooking to prevent catching your garments on fire. Roll up long sleeves.
- Keep your barbecue grill at least 10-feet from deck railings and siding. Always position it away from overhanging tree branches and under eaves.
Tips for Smoking
- Always smoke outside and make sure your cigarette butts are soaked in water before you throw them into a trash can.
- If anyone uses an oxygen tank in your home, never smoke inside. Oxygen tanks are explosive.
- Never smoke in bed.
- Refrain from smoking if you are taking medication that makes you tired or if you have been drinking alcohol.
Tips for Electrical and Appliance Safety
- A frayed wire can easily cause a fire. Replace any worn or damaged appliance cords as soon as you notice the problem. Never run cords under your furniture or rugs.
- If your light switch is too hot to touch or causes your light bulbs to flicker, shut them off and hire a professional replace them immediately.
- Never force a three-prong plug into a two-prong outlet. Use an extension cord if you must.
Tips for Portable Space Heaters
- Before purchasing, check to make sure your space heater has been evaluated by a laboratory that is nationally recognized, such as Underwriters Laboratories.
- Only use space heaters that have a thermostat control mechanism. They should shut off automatically if the heater gets knocked over.
- Keep all combustible items three feet or more from the space heater.
- If your space heater runs on kerosene, only fill it with crystal clear K-1 kerosene. Make sure it is not overfilled and use only in a room with good ventilation.
Tips for Fireplaces and Woodstoves
- Always make sure the fire is out before retiring for the night.
- Your fireplace screen should be heavy enough that it will stop rolling logs from spilling out.
- Check your fireplace monthly for any obstructions or damage. Clean and inspect your woodstove pipes and chimneys once a year.
Tips for Children
- Make sure all lighters and matches are out of the reach of children.
- Teach them that fire isn’t a toy
- Never leave a child unattended near a burning candle or a stove that is on.
If you need help due to fire damage, give us a call. We provide fire restoration services to homes and businesses suffering from fire damage.