House fires are a serious problem. Every year, thousands of people are injured in house fires, and many more lose their homes. In 2019 there were over 1.2 million fires and close to $15Billion dollars in property loss. Though residential fires are unpredictable, responsible home ownership means understanding the measures to take to prevent fires. Preventing house fires mitigates the chance of injuries, fatalities, the subsequent need for fire cleanup or worse, completely property loss

1. Educate Your Entire Home On Fire And Safety Risks

Fires can start from any number of sources: cooking, cigarettes, candles, electrical malfunctions etc and cause fire damage. It is important for your family to be aware of these risks and take the necessary precautions. Teach your family about fire safety when using any source of fire to be mindful of potential hazards.

In addition, have a fire escape plan and practice it regularly. Make sure all family members know how to get out of the house in case of a fire and what steps to take right after.

2. Encourage Safe Practices

Encourage safe fire practices and habits.

• Blowing out candles when the room is not occupied.
• Ensure no flammable items come into contact with the stove when cooking and be sure to turn it off when not using it.
• Avoid smoking inside.
• Keep heat sources like hair tools, fireplaces, portable heaters, away from flammable items and be sure to unplug them when not in use.

3. Check & Regularly Test Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors

It is important to have a fire extinguisher in your home, but it’s not the only prevention measure you should take. Smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors are essential in detecting fires and gas leaks before they become a problem.

Test your smoke detectors at least once a month by pushing the test button and make sure the batteries are fresh. Change out batteries as often as you need to. Be mindful of the age of smoke and carbon monoxide detectors; like all appliances they too can become defective with age. If total replacement is needed, do so.

4. Inspect Your Home for Other Potential Fire Hazards

There are many other hazards in a home that can cause fire damage. These include faulty appliances, exposed wires, outlets and more. If routine inspections are not performed often, maintaining a keen eye for potential fire hazards is crucial then.

Things to look for can include:

• Outlets with exposed or frayed wires. Electrocution is a fire risk and can be fatal.
• Faulty appliances, especially those involving fire.
• Dryer vents and or filter buildup.
• Clutter can provide fuel for fire and can impede escape routes.
• Piles of papers or magazines. These can easily ignite from a small spark.
• Matches and lighters accessible to children.

House fires can be unexpected, sudden, and devastating. Practicing responsible fire safety is imperative in protecting property against fires. Property loss during a fire can be unavoidable. Once a property has undergone fire damage, expertise and knowledge from a damage restoration company like Pro Master Cleaning Restoration is required. Our team of fire cleanup experts work quickly to bring a property back to pre-loss condition and address any fire damage needs.