It is cliche to say, but prevention really is the best medicine, especially when it comes to something as hazardous as a house fire. While knowing what to do after a fire is always recommended, taking basic safety measures to avoid one altogether is even better. 

Let’s take a look at some simple fire safety steps you can follow to ensure that you, your family, and your home do not fall victim to feral flames of any kind.

1. Regularly Check Your Smoke Detectors

If a fire starts while you are sleeping — or in an unfrequented area of your home — smoke detectors are the first line of defense. They should be placed in prime locations throughout your home (e.g., stairways, hallways, and outside of bedrooms) and tested monthly. Backup batteries should be replaced annually while the detector itself should be replaced every 10 years.

2. Keep Extinguishers Handy

Knowing the different types of fires and how to extinguish them is crucial when it comes to quickly stopping a fire from spreading. There are 5 main kinds of fire extinguishers.

 

Extinguisher classes A, B, and C are most commonly found in homes, and multipurpose extinguishers that cover classes A through C can be purchased at most big-box home improvement stores.

3. Pinpoint Fire Hazards

It is important to identify potential fire hazards in your home and address these issues immediately. Flammable kitchen products and household cleaners should be stored properly while cloth and paper materials should be kept away from the stove or any other sources of heat. 

Similarly, if you have a patio or porch grill, make sure it is a safe distance from any plants, branches, or other flammable materials.

4. Do Not Leave Candles Unattended

It is fairly easy to forget small flames like candles. You light a few for a relaxing evening, and a few glasses of wine later, you’re asleep. If a candle gets knocked over, or if any are placed near flammable objects, that relaxing evening can turn into a real-life nightmare relatively quickly. 

If you enjoy the atmosphere and aroma of candles, as many do, make sure they are extinguished before leaving your home or going to bed.

5. Unplug Your Unused Electrical Devices

Any unused electrical devices should be unplugged to avoid loose connections and drawing unnecessary electricity. Likewise, you should not overload your outlets. If a certain area requires the use of several electrical devices, consider using a power strip with surge protection. 

It is also a good idea to check the wires of your electrical devices to make sure there is no fraying, breakage, or damage of any kind.

What to Do When the Worst Happens

If you follow these helpful fire safety steps and still fall victim to a house fire and fire damage, fear not. Though this nightmarish situation may seem irrevocable, there are fire restoration experts ready to help you recover. 

After ensuring the safety of your loved ones, contact 24 Hour Flood Pros to assess the situation and salvage what the fire tried to steal.