Tips to Prevent a House Fire

9/22/2021 (Permalink)

A stove fire caused damage to a home kitchen

When it comes to fire safety it is always better to be prepared.  However what is even better is if you can prevent it from happening to you and your loved ones.  Below are a few tips in preventing a house fire and to keep you safe.  If you do find yourself the victim of a house fire, small or large, SERVPRO of Kershaw and Lancaster Counties are available 24/7 to help with the aftermath in cleaning and restoring your home and belongings.  We will take care of any items damaged by fire or smoke, and even be able to restore any soot damage done to the interior of the home, making it seem like “it never even happened.”

To help keep your loved ones safe here are 7 tips in preventing a house fire

1. Test your alarms.  It is recommended to check your alarms once a month by pushing the test button. You should also replace any smoke alarms that are over 10 years old, or if they don’t make a sound when tested.  Smoke alarms should be installed in every bedroom, outside each sleeping area, and on every level of the home (including the basement if applicable). 
2. Identify fire hazards in your home.  Common kitchen appliances are often times the source of fires.  Items such as the oven, microwave, toaster, or dishwasher should only be turned on when someone is present in the home.  Other items such as a hair straightener, curling iron, electric blanket, and space heater should be used with caution as well.  Never leave an appliance like these on when not home.
3. Understand your home electrical system.  If you’re buying or remodeling your home, it’s important to have the electrical work inspected by a professional. After that, look out for exposed wires and frayed cords. Also, if you ever have frequent problems with your circuit breakers, a tingling feeling when you touch an appliance, discolored or warm wall outlets, flickering or dimming lights, or sparks from an outlet, call an electrician immediately.
4. Inspect your heat sources. Every year have a professional service your furnace. He or she will be able to identify if it isn’t working properly, which could prevent a fire. Using a space heater for even more warmth? Keep it away from items that could catch fire easily, like curtains and furniture. If you have a wood-burning fireplace, have your chimney inspected annually by someone who is certified in chimney sweeping.
5. Prevent kitchen catastrophes. Find out what you can do to prevent fires in the first place (like cleaning crumbs out of the toaster and unplugging appliances when they aren’t in use). And, what to do if there actually is a kitchen fire.
6. Safely store combustible materials. Flammable products should always be kept away from heat. Designate a cool, dark cupboard or storage space for hairspray, and cleaning and garden supplies. Additionally, gasoline, kerosene and propane should be kept outside in the original containers.
7. Practice candle safety. More than just extinguishing the candle before you leave the house, make sure the wick is trimmed to ¼ inch in order to prevent a big flame.  Additionally, keep away from flammable materials, pets, never leave the room where the candle is burning, and make sure to extinguish around 4 hours of use.