Top 5 Tips for Preventing Fires in The Home | SERVPRO® of Santa Clarita Valley

2/19/2020 (Permalink)

1. Never leave a flame unattended

This is by far the most important of all these tips. The two largest sources of residential fires in the U.S. are from candles and cooking accidents. Always be aware of open flames. It only takes a few seconds for a fire to spread rapidly from an unattended flame.

• Keep a candle at minimum 12 inches away from flammable objects
• Blow out unattended candles and turn off an unattended stovetop
• Ensure a candle is sturdy or in a candle holder which will not fall down

2. Watch your electronics!

As consumers we place a lot of trust and faith into the functionality and safety of our electronics. The reality is that there can be defects and inherent safety risks with our electronics. Therefore, keep this in mind:

• Never plug in devices with damaged or frayed cords
• Consider having a certified electrician perform an annual evaluation of your home’s wiring
• Use your senses. If an outlet or device looks burnt or damaged or there is an odor of burning plastic or unsavory smell coming from an appliance, remove the device immediately and consult the manufacturer.

3. Keep furniture and flammable materials away from heaters

Seemingly harmless heating tools such as a curling iron, hair dryer, or a space heater can still cause fires when left on for too long in close proximity to flammable sources. Some helpful tips to prevent fires from heating appliances are:

• Turn off your space heater when not in use
• At a minimum keep heating elements three feet away from flammable objects
• Never use an oven to warm your house

4. Test your smoke detectors

One of the most practical tips to protect you and your family from fires is to ensure that your smoke detectors are functional. Be sure to test your devices monthly and also replace the batteries as soon as the low battery alert begins or once a year. Furthermore, place smoke detectors on every floor, including the basement. Finally, replace your smoke detectors every 10 years or earlier.

5. Keep fire extinguishers readily available

Fires can happen rather suddenly, and one must be prepared to deal with it before it gets out of control. There are several things to keep in mind with fire extinguishers.

• Keep a fire extinguisher in each area of the house which may pose a fire risk
• Ensure that the members of the family know how to use a fire extinguisher
• If a fire cannot be contained via fire extinguisher call 911 and grab your loved ones and leave your residence as soon as possible