Easy Steps to Prevent Home Fires | SERVPRO® of Clatsop, Columbia Counties

6/6/2022 (Permalink)

If your home is damaged in a house fire, SERVPRO of Clatsop, Columbia Counties is here to help. Contact us for any fire restoration needs.

Working smoke alarm systems were present in 74% of house fires between the years 2015 and 2019, depicting the expansive use of fire alarm home setups across the United States.

Despite the fact that smoke detectors remain the best strategy to avoid fire-related deaths and property damage, there are many other simple, preventive steps you can take to prevent damage:

Clear Your Junk

Clutter may easily find its way into our houses. But when it comes to fire prevention, unattended loose, flammable things in corridors and storage places, such as clothing, spare blankets and other fabrics, are particularly harmful.

You can cause fire easily if you leave clothes near gas tanks or water heaters. To avoid hazards coming in the way if you need to flee your home fast, it is preferable to leave clear, clean places. That way, if a fire does break loose, the clear path will allow the flames to travel more easily and encounter less flammable material in its path.

To avoid creating a fire hazard, leave enough space between wall outlets and carpets, lamps or furniture.

Barricade the Exterior of Your Home

There are various methods for making the exterior of your home more protected against fires. Using landscaping strategies with intention, you can make it easier for firemen to enter your property in the event of a fire and also make it more difficult for fire to spread to your house.

Ideally you would maintain at least 30 feet of defensible space on the exterior of your home at all times.

Consider replacing any flammable materials used outdoors with more fire-safe things such as brick, rock and gravel. Also, remove any trash or loose material that may disrupt the path of the fire squad.

Prepare an Emergency Water Source

If disaster strikes and the water source inside of your home is no longer usable, be prepared with a Plan B. Set up a garden hose or sprinkler system on the outside of your home and make sure that it can reach all the way around the building.

Following these steps can dramatically decrease your home’s fire risk and ensure that you and your family are ready in the case of a home fire.

Because we spend so much time in our homes and effort upkeeping them, it is essential that we take the time to clean and check for hazards that could increase your home’s susceptibility to fire. This way your home stays in tip-top shape- so that you and your loved ones can continue to make memories inside.

Watch Your Habits

Unattended cooking is one of the leading causes of home fires in Oregon. It is critical to pay attention during your cooking, look out for hazards and ALWAYS turn off the oven and any stove burners.

Neglected candles left burning are one other of the top causes of home fires. It is wise to always triple-check your home for any burning candles, incense or wax warmers before leaving.

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.