Simple Steps That Can Reduce Your Risk of Suffering A House Fire | SERVPRO® of Beaver County

6/6/2022 (Permalink)

If your home is damaged in a house fire, SERVPRO of Beaver County is here to help. Contact us for any fire restoration need.

We have all seen the news over the past few years detailing how wildfires are becoming more common and more serious—well, so are house fires. So far in 2022, the American Red Cross has responded to over 20,000 house fires, which is only a small fraction of the total fires in the United States this year.

Most modern homes already have complete coverage from smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms, but make sure that you have a smoke alarm in every bedroom and at least one CO alarm in the home.

These devices are proven to be the best way to stop complete destruction or a loss of life due to a fire. While smoke detectors are a must-have, there are many simple things you can do around the house to reduce your risk of a house fire.

<h3the-kitchen-grill">Clean the Kitchen & Grill

Over 48% of all home fires on average are started while cooking food. There are many common appliances that are designed to produce heat, and some of them are without safety mechanisms. You likely have a toaster, oven, stove, microwave, grill and a coffee maker in your home, and all of these can put you at risk when improperly used.

Cleaning these items regularly and removing any pieces of food that could ignite is important to keep your home free of hazards. Additionally, you should never grill under a covered area like a roof or deck, these things can easily catch fire when heat builds up from below.

Dirty wall outlets are another common source of fire in the home. Check these regularly for a collection of dust or dirt that could cause sparks to fly. Also, remember to leave plenty of space between your devices and the wall to allow proper airflow.

<h3a-defensible-space-in-your-yard">Create a Defensible Space in Your Yard

Fires that begin outside can spread by over 14 miles per hour. When they come knocking at your door, a yard is the last thing standing between your home and destruction.

Recently, there have been innovative landscaping methods that protect your home from the spread of outdoor fires, and allow firemen to work with plenty of space while trying to work.

These techniques have been so useful in fact, that states like California are imposing defensible zone requirements for yards, so following suit might also be a smart idea for you.

However, following these techniques doesn’t prevent you from tending to the garden and planting new flowers in your beds—they focus on placing plants in specific locations to prevent the fire from expanding.

The fire will weaken with the flammable objects spread further apart, so you should take the time and clear out any dead plants or leaves that could become fuel during a fire.

<h3it-clean-keep-it-safe">Keep It Clean & Keep It Safe

Aside from cleaning your appliances regularly, and maintaining your yard, performing a thorough cleaning routine can help reduce your risk of house fires. Set aside time for you and your family to work through the long list of necessary tasks.

The seemingly endless sheet of cleaning jobs doesn’t have to be burdensome if you spread it out over the course of a week. Along with a deep-clean, simply dusting your home from time to time is a way to prevent fires.

These days, our homes have evolved into more than simply shelter. They allow us to work, play and relax every single day. Putting in the effort to keep yours clean is a relatively easy way to help prevent destruction from a fire.

If you have experienced fire damage or want to learn more about our fire damage restoration services, contact us today. We’re here to act fast, ²⁴⁄₇.