In the Situation of a Fire - Prepare and Plan Ahead

As far as destructive disasters go there aren't many situations as stunning as a fire that destroys your house and possessions. A fire in your home is a distressing and an intensely draining situation, whether it destroys everything or not. But there are specific precautions you can implement to lessen the likelihood of a fire from occurring in your home. The fire damage restoration team at Paul Davis knows the serious situation of home fires and that's why it's vital to know how to prepare your residence and what to do when a fire occurs.

Get Your Home Prepped for the Chance of a Fire & Have an Emergency Strategy Ready at All Times

When it comes to house fires, some of them aren't can be in control and can't be prevented. That is why it's integral to have safety plans ready. Fire extinguishers and smoke alarms are fundamental, and make sure you have the right number to suit your property. But you should consider installing smoke alarms that can catch smoke from electrical fires, since damaged wiring is one of the main causes of home fires. When you have kids, you'll want to teach them on what the smoke alarm sounds like and what to do when one goes off. Execute emergency plans for fire routes and make sure everybody is attentive of them. There should be two exits out of all rooms in the home. Also, you'll want to have a planned meeting area outside of the home so that you're sure everybody makes it out securely. Making a record of your personal belongings is an excellent idea for insurance purposes in case all your stuff is damaged by the flames. Additionally, you'll want to store important documents such as passports and birth certificates in a fire safe box, and you can make digital copies and upload them to a cloud drive for added measure.

To Lessen the Chances of Home Fires Take These Precautions

Here are a few things to keep in mind so you can decrease the risks and dangers that are commonly correlated with home fires:

  • Cooking: The kitchen is one of the more vulnerable places for a fire to happen. It's crucial to be attentive to what's on the stove or in the oven, and if you need to step out, have somebody keep an eye on it until you return.
  • Appliances and Electrical: Check your light switches to see if they have to be changed out. When you touch them and they're hot, that's a sign that they're damaged. Another thing you have to do is examine your appliances for torn cords and defective plugs.
  • Portable Heaters: Never leave a space heater unattended, and keep flammable items three feet away from it. It's also imperative for your portable heater to contain the right features for safety. For instance, the heater turns off when it tips over.
  • Fireplaces: It's important to consistently clean and inspect your fireplace and chimney for damages and creosote. Use a fireplace screen that is durable and large enough to halt logs from rolling and catch sparks.
  • Children: Store any matches or lighters in a place that is out of reach and out of sight from kids to prevent their curiosity from starting a fire. Explain to your kids that fire is not something to play with as well.
  • Smoking: Cigarettes and cigars are severe fire threats, and taking your smoking outside is the finest method to prevent a home fire. When you smoke inside, see that you have ashtrays with deep walls and that under any situation you don't smoke in bed or while you're drowsy. In addition, not under any situation should you smoke inside if someone in the home is using oxygen since this is very combustible.

For Fire Damage Restoration Maintenance - Contact Paul for Expert Help Today

Immediately reach out to the skillful fire damage restoration team from Paul Davis if your home has had a fire. Our skillful contractors can re-mediate any fire damage and get your home back in a livable condition. For a franchise near your area, call us at 888-473-7669.