Protect Your Family and Home from Fire and Smoke Damage
As we gear up for the festive season, it's vital to remember that safety should always be at the forefront of our preparations, particularly when it comes to fire safety. Thanksgiving, a time of joy, gratitude, and culinary delights, is also, unfortunately, the peak day for home cooking fires in the United States.
As specialists in fire and smoke damage restoration, our team at ServiceMaster by Fuson – Flint understands the devastation such incidents can cause. Our mission is not only to provide expert restoration services but also to educate our community on preventive measures. After all, prevention is better than recovery.
The Importance of Fire Safety During Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving is a time of culinary joy and celebration. However, it’s also a day when the risk of home cooking fires substantially increases. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), Thanksgiving Day sees 3 to 4 times as many cooking fires as an average day, making it the leading day for such incidents.
In fact, in 2019, an estimated 1,400 home cooking fires were reported to U.S. fire departments on Thanksgiving Day alone, reflecting a 228% increase over the daily average. Cooking is responsible for two in five reported home fires (44%) and home fire injuries (42%), and one in five home fire deaths (18%).
Preventive Measures to Avoid Kitchen Fires
At ServiceMaster by Fuson – Flint, we believe knowledge is the first line of defense. With that in mind, we'd like to share some essential advice on avoiding common mistakes that often lead to kitchen fires so you can protect your Flushing home.
Firstly, we cannot stress enough the importance of never leaving the kitchen unattended when cooking. A significant number of incidents occur simply because cooking is left unmonitored. Whether you're simmering, baking, roasting, or boiling, if you must leave the room even temporarily, turn off the stove.
Secondly, it is crucial to keep flammable items away from the stove. This includes oven mitts, wooden utensils, food packaging, towels, and curtains. A clear space around your stove isn't just good organization - it's a safety necessity. It only takes a small spark to ignite these items and create a dangerous situation.
Lastly, we urge you to ensure your smoke alarms are working properly. These devices are your early warning system in the event of a fire, providing crucial extra minutes to evacuate safely. We recommend testing your smoke alarms at least once a month and replacing the batteries annually.
What To Do In Case Of A Kitchen Fire
At ServiceMaster by Fuson – Flint, we understand that the idea of a kitchen fire can be overwhelming. The sudden burst of flames, the panic, the uncertainty - it's a lot to handle. But remember, knowledge is power, and we're here to equip you with the tools you need to react effectively.
Firstly, let's discuss how to use a fire extinguisher correctly:
- Remember the acronym PASS: Pull, Aim, Squeeze, Sweep.
- Pull the pin at the top of the extinguisher.
- Aim the nozzle towards the base of the fire.
- Squeeze the handle to release the extinguishing agent.
- Sweep the nozzle from side to side at the base of the fire until it's out.
Next, let's talk about when and how to evacuate safely:
- If the fire becomes uncontrollable, evacuate immediately.
- Stay low to the ground to avoid smoke inhalation.
- Use the nearest exit or alternate escape route if the primary path is blocked.
- Once outside, stay outside. Never re-enter a burning building.
We understand that the thought of dealing with a fire can be terrifying. While these steps are meant to be useful guidelines to help keep you safe, in the event of an emergency, you should always call 911.
How ServiceMaster by Fuson – Flint Can Help
Imagine this scenario: A fire has caused significant damage to your Flushing home. The aftermath is overwhelming - the smoke, the soot, the structural damage. Where do you even begin? Once you and your family are safe, you can reach out to us for assistance with restoring your property.
Our team of experts will conduct a thorough inspection and assessment, determining the extent of the damage and devising a tailored restoration plan. We offer immediate board-up and roof-tarp service if needed, followed by water removal and drying if there is water damage present from firefighting efforts. Then, we remove smoke and soot from all surfaces before commencing the cleaning, repair, and restoration process.
Why choose us? Because we're not just about restoring properties - we're about restoring peace of mind. Just like we've done for numerous satisfied clients, we'll work diligently to minimize the disruption to your life and get your property back to normal as soon as possible.
Remember, you don't have to face this alone. Contact us online or call (877) 959-5828 today for fire and smoke damage restoration in Flushing!
