Protect Your Burns Harbor Home from Fire and Smoke Damage
Being proactive about fire prevention in your home is crucial to ensure the safety of your family and protect your property. Fires can result in devastating consequences, including injury, loss of life, and property damage. Taking preventative measures such as installing smoke detectors, ensuring fire extinguishers are easily accessible, and having an evacuation plan in place can significantly reduce the risk of a fire occurring.
Additionally, being vigilant about potential fire hazards such as overloaded outlets or leaving cooking unattended can help prevent fires from starting in the first place. By taking steps to be proactive about fire prevention, you can help keep your home and loved ones safe from the dangers of fire.
ServiceMaster by Tekton is a professional restoration company that specializes in residential fire and smoke damage restoration. Our team of experienced technicians understands the devastating impact that fires can have on homes and families.
We are equipped with the knowledge, skills, and equipment necessary to evaluate the extent of the damage and develop a customized plan for restoring your home to its pre-loss condition. With our expertise at your disposal, you can be more proactive about preventing fires in your own home.
Here are ten of the most common causes of household fires, along with tips on how to prevent them:
1. Cooking
Unattended cooking is a leading cause of household fires. To prevent cooking fires, never leave food unattended on the stove or in the oven. Keep flammable materials such as towels and curtains away from the stove, and always turn off the burners or oven when finished cooking.
2. Smoking
Smoking inside the home increases the risk of fires, especially if cigarettes are not properly extinguished or if ashtrays are not emptied regularly. The best way to prevent smoking-related fires is to smoke outside and properly dispose of cigarette butts.
3. Electrical Equipment
Faulty electrical equipment, overloaded circuits, and frayed cords can all lead to fires. To prevent electrical fires, avoid using damaged electrical cords and overload of outlets, have an electrician check and repair any damaged wiring.
4. Heaters
Portable heaters can be a fire hazard, especially if they are placed too close to flammable materials. Always keep space heaters away from furniture, curtains, bedding, and other flammable materials. Turn off space heaters when leaving the room or going to bed.
5. Candles
Leaving candles unattended or placing them near flammable materials can easily lead to a fire. The best way to prevent candle fires is to use battery-operated candles instead of real ones.
6. Children
Children playing with matches or lighters is a common cause of household fires. Teach children about the dangers of fire and keep matches and lighters out of their reach.
7. Flammable Liquids
Storing flammable liquids such as gasoline or lighter fluid improperly can increase the risk of fires. Store flammable liquids in a cool, dry place away from sources of heat and ignition.
8. Grilling
Outdoor grilling can lead to fires if not done safely. Hot coals or propane tanks can easily ignite nearby materials. To prevent grilling fires, keep the grill away from structures and flammable materials, and make sure it is properly maintained and cleaned.
9. Christmas Trees
Dry Christmas trees can quickly become a fire hazard. Lights and decorations can also contribute to the risk of fires. To prevent Christmas tree fires, keep the tree well-watered and away from heat sources. Use only UL-listed lights that are in good working condition and turn them off when leaving the house or going to bed.
10. Dryers
Lint buildup in dryer vents can cause a fire. It is important to clean dryer vents regularly to prevent fires from occurring. Also, avoid overloading the dryer and clean the lint filter after every use.
What To Do in the Event of a Fire
If a fire starts in your Burns Harbor home, the most important thing to do is to get yourself and your family out of the house as quickly and safely as possible. Every second counts, so it is essential to have a pre-established evacuation plan and practice it with your family. Alert everyone in the house, call 911 immediately and leave the house without trying to grab any belongings.
If escaping through your regular exit is not possible, try to find an alternate route out of the house. Stay low to the ground where the air is less toxic and crawl to the nearest safe exit. If you are unable to leave the house, go to a room with a window and place a bright-colored cloth or a flashlight in the window to alert firefighters to your location. Finally, stay calm, breathe slowly, and wait for help to arrive.
Putting Out a Small Fire
If a small fire occurs in your home and you feel comfortable trying to put it out, follow these steps to do so safely. First, you should never risk injury to put out a fire, so ensure you have a clear path to exit should the fire grow. Next, grab a fire extinguisher and aim its nozzle at the base of the fire, squeezing the handle with a sweeping motion from side to side. If you are unable to contain the fire with a fire extinguisher, use a large, non-flammable object such as a heavy blanket or pot lid to smother the flames.
Never use water to put out an electrical or grease fire, as water can exacerbate the flames. Once the fire is out, carefully monitor the area to ensure that it does not reignite. Remember, safety always comes first, so if the fire continues to spread, evacuate the area immediately and call 911.
Your Trusted Partner in Fire Damage Restoration
At ServiceMaster by Tekton, we understand the trauma and stress that come with fires, and we are dedicated to providing comprehensive support to help you get back on your feet. Whether you need emergency response services or full-scale restoration, our technicians have the knowledge, skills, and equipment necessary to evaluate the extent of the damage and develop a customized plan for restoring your home to its pre-loss condition.
We'll work closely with you to ensure that every step of the restoration process is handled with care and attention to detail. With our expertise and commitment to quality, ServiceMaster by Tekton is a trusted choice for helping Burns Harbor families recover from the aftermath of a house fire.
Contact us online or call (219) 255-3422 today to learn more about our fire and smoke damage restoration services. We’ll be the helping hand you need on the road to recovery.
