Protect Your Home from Fires During Fire Prevention Month and Beyond
October is Fire Prevention Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness about fire safety and promoting prevention measures. As homeowners in Cordova, we must understand the importance of preventing fires in our homes.
According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), an average of 343,100 home fires occurred annually from 2016 to 2020 in the United States, resulting in thousands of deaths and injuries. Fire Prevention Month aims to educate homeowners on the common causes of house fires and provide simple safety tips to help reduce their risk.
By implementing various safety measures, homeowners can help protect their families and property from the devastating effects of a house fire. At ServiceMaster by Cornerstone, we're committed to assisting homeowners to stay safe by providing expert fire damage restoration services and guidance on how to prevent fires from happening in the first place.
The Leading Causes of Household Fires
According to data from the NFPA, there are five leading causes of household fires in the United States. Homeowners should be aware of these common causes of household fires and take appropriate safety measures to prevent them from occurring.
These include:
- Cooking
- Heating
- Electrical
- Candles
- Smoking
Cooking is the leading cause of home fires and injuries, accounting for 49% of all home fires.
Essential Fire Prevention Measures for Every Cordova Home
Reducing the risk of fires in your home is an endeavor worth undertaking. Not only are you reducing the risk of damage to your property, but also of injury or worse to you and your loved ones. By following these measures, you’re on your way to improving your home’s fire safety.
Important fire safety measures include, but are not limited to:
Smoke Alarm Maintenance
Maintaining smoke detectors is crucial to fire safety. Install smoke alarms on every level of your home and outside each bedroom. Check them monthly and replace the batteries twice a year. Consider upgrading to newer models with features like voice alerts and wireless interconnectivity.
Kitchen and Cooking Safety
Kitchen fires are one of the most common causes of house fires, making kitchen and cooking safety essential to fire prevention. Unattended cooking, overheating oil, and flammable objects near the stove can quickly lead to a disaster. Homeowners should maintain a clean and well-organized kitchen, with combustible materials like towels and potholders stored away from the stove.
Having working smoke detectors nearby is also essential, as they can alert you to potential fires before it's too late. Finally, keeping a fire extinguisher in the kitchen and knowing how to use it can help extinguish a small fire before it spreads.
Electrical Safety
Electrical safety is a crucial aspect of fire prevention in the home. Faulty wiring, overloaded circuits, and damaged appliances can all lead to electrical fires. Cordova homeowners should avoid overloading outlets and regularly inspect electrical appliances for signs of wear or damage.
Replacing frayed cords and repairing or replacing damaged outlets and switches is essential. Hiring a licensed electrician to conduct regular electrical system inspections can help identify potential hazards before they become a disaster.
Heating Safety
Heating equipment, including furnaces, space heaters, and fireplaces, can quickly become hazards if not properly maintained and used. Ensure that your heating equipment is installed and serviced by qualified professionals, with regular inspections conducted to identify potential issues.
Additionally, use space heaters only in well-ventilated areas, keeping them away from flammable objects and ensuring they are in good working order.
Smoking and Candle Safety
Cigarettes, lighters, and matches are all potential fire hazards when not used or disposed of properly. Homeowners who smoke should use deep ashtrays and ensure that cigarettes are fully extinguished before disposing of them.
Candles should be used with caution and never left unattended while burning. Always ensure candles are fully extinguished before leaving them alone.
Your Trusted Partner in Fire Prevention and Restoration
At ServiceMaster by Cornerstone, we understand the devastating impact a house fire can have on households. We are dedicated to providing professional restoration services for homeowners affected by fire damage.
In the immediate aftermath of a fire, our team of experts will work with you and your insurance company to take the necessary steps to ensure the safety of your Cordova property. This includes emergency boarding up and tarping of your home, as well as the removal of any damaged items.
We use state-of-the-art equipment and techniques to effectively clean and restore your home to its pre-fire condition while also being sensitive to the emotional toll such an event can have on individuals and families.
Contact Us Today
We aim to get you back into your home as quickly as possible with minimal disruption to your life. You can count on ServiceMaster by Cornerstone to be there for you in the event of a house fire, providing professional and compassionate restoration services every step of the way.
Contact us online or call (901) 459-3675 today to learn more about our fire damage restoration services in Cordova. We’re available 24/7 to assist you!
