A Checklist for Preventing Home Fires

7/16/2019 (Permalink)

According to U.S. government statistics, more than 4,000 people die every year in fires and more than 25,000 are seriously injured. Most of these fatalities could be prevented. Here’s a checklist of some of the ways you can help prevent a fire in your home and make your home safer:

•    Talk with your kids about the dangers of playing with matches, fire, lighters, and flammable liquids
•    Don’t leave the kitchen when you’re cooking (most home fires start on the kitchen stove)
•    Know and post your local fire department’s emergency phone number
•    Keep gasoline, kerosene, paint thinners, and other flammable liquids in appropriate containers and away from other flammable materials
•    Keep your garage and basement clear of trash, newspapers, and other combustibles
•    Don’t use flammable liquids like gasoline, kerosene, or benzene indoors
•    Make sure flammable liquids are stored in appropriate containers in a well-ventilated area
•    Safely discard cloths or paper towels used with flammable liquids, preferably outdoors in metal containers
•    Avoid plugging several appliances into one electrical outlet unless you use a UL-approved outlet with circuit breakers
•    Don’t use extension cords with heaters or air conditioners
•    Use smoke alarms throughout your home and test them regularly
•    Use caution with alternative heating sources like kerosene, wood, or pellet stoves
•    Use only the type of fuel that’s meant for these heating sources, and follow the manufacturer’s instructions  

If you must smoke, do so safely:
•    Never smoke in bed
•    Don’t leave the room with a cigarette burning in an ashtray 
•    Keep matches, cigarette lighters, and grill lighters in a locked cabinet
•    Never smoke when you’re drowsy, medicated, or reclining 
•    Make sure smokers have deep, sturdy ashtrays, and make sure cigarette and cigar butts are cold before you put them in the trash

If you do experience a fire, you can rely on the fire damage repair and restoration services of SERVPRO of The East End. We have restored many fire-damaged homes and businesses. You can also rely on us for smoke damage cleanup and odor removal. Our technicians are IICRC trained and certified and we have state-of-the-art equipment to get the job done "Like it never even happened."

SERVPRO of The East End is available 24/7 for all of your emergency restoration needs. 631-653-9595.