If a fire starts in a home and is not immediately extinguished, the small flame can grow into a life-threatening blaze, causing extensive fire damage and possibly personal injury. By implementing a few practical safety precautions, the homeowner can protect the home against fire.
1. Install several smoke alarms throughout the home.
The following findings from the National Fire Protection Association highlight how having working smoke alarms in the home saves lives: “Smoke alarms were present in three-quarters (74 percent) of reported home fires in 2014–2018. Almost three out of five home fire deaths were caused by fires in properties with no smoke alarms (41 percent) or smoke alarms that failed to operate (16 percent). The risk of dying in reported home structure fires is 55 percent lower in homes with working smoke alarms than in homes with no alarms or none that worked. When present, hardwired smoke alarms operated in 94 percent of the fires considered large enough to trigger a smoke alarm. Battery-powered alarms operated 82 percent of the time. Power source issues were the most common factors when smoke alarms failed to operate.”
Test the home’s smoke alarms at least once a month. Perform regular maintenance, including installing fresh batteries on an annual basis. When a unit makes a chirping noise, replace the battery. Conduct a test to ensure proper installation has been achieved. Replace a smoke alarm after ten years.
2. Identify and eliminate fire hazards in the kitchen.
The majority of house fires originate in the kitchen during the cooking process. The stovetop is the most at-risk part of the appliance. Unattended pots and pans on a hot eye are particularly dangerous. When cooking, frying, or grilling on a stovetop, stay in the kitchen and keep a close eye on the dish. A pan can erupt into flames in an instant. Flammable items such as hand towels, napkins, curtains, and paper towels should be kept away from the stovetop.
If surrounded by counter clutter, a microwave can present a risk hazard. Make sure the microwave vents are not obstructed. Keep a fresh fire extinguisher in a visible and easily accessible location in the kitchen.
Many cooking fires start in overheated frying pans. If a pan erupts into flames, cover the pan with a lid. Very carefully remove the pan from the hot burner and turn off the stove burner. Allow the pan to cool before removing the lid.
3. Exercise caution when using space heaters, a wood stove, or a fireplace.
Keep any flammable materials at least three feet away from a space heater, wood stove, or fireplace. Avoid overloading an electrical circuit with too many space heaters. Maintain a wood stove according to the manufacturer’s specifications. Do not place flammable items on the mantle above the fireplace.
It is recommended that homeowners invest in a metal or glass fireplace screen to improve safety around the fireplace. The screen should be large enough to prevent hot embers from escaping.
Douse a fire in the fireplace and extinguish any burning candles before leaving home. Also, unplug heating appliances.
4. Keep the clothes dryer clean.
Dryers are involved in ninety percent of appliance fires. Clean the lint screen after every load of clothes. It may be necessary to clean the lint screen during the cycle if new towels or fleece blankets are being dried. Have a professional thoroughly inspect and clean the dryer and dryer exhaust vents annually.
5. Inspect and repair electronics and outlets.
Repair or replace electrical outlets that are wearing out. Include light switches in the inspection. As much as possible, have a dedicated outlet for each major appliance. Safety trumps décor. Avoid running extension cords under rugs. Hire a licensed electrician to install GFCI outlets in the bathrooms, kitchen, laundry room, and garage to prevent electrocution.
Most electronics should be unplugged when not in use. Computers and televisions require a certain amount of space for heat dissipation and for cooling fans to function properly.
6. Declutter the basement, garage, and backyard storage shed.
Old newspapers, books, clothing, solvents, paint, aerosol cans, and plastics are highly flammable and pose a significant fire risk. The safest and best solution is to discard items that are not being used. Avoid using a grill, fire pit, or any other open flame or heat source near these flammable items. When the grill is in use, keep it at least ten feet away from any structure.
In the event of a house fire, entrust the cleanup and damage restoration to the seasoned professionals at Restore-It Restoration and Cleaning. The certified professionals understand the need to quickly clean up and restore a fire and smoke damage disaster so life in the home can return to normal. They have the latest equipment and utilize the best cleaning and deodorizing products to ensure the home is safe and odor-free.
For more information about fire damage restoration in El Dorado, AR, contact the Restore-It Restoration and Cleaning office by phone at (870) 417-4614.
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