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Fire Tips
9/25/2023 (Permalink)
The American Red Cross has already responded to more than 20,000 house fires this year, and that is only some of the fires that have occurred.
Smoke detectors will always be the best way to protect your home and your life, but there are a few other things you can do to make your home more fire-safe. Even cleaning up can protect and prevent fires in your home.
Clutter might already be your least favorite topic, but it can also be creating a fire hazard in your home. When stairwells and hallways are filled with unused items, it can not only block an exit in the event of an emergency, but it can actually fuel a fire and help it progress faster.
Clothing or other cloth items left near a water heater can start a fire. Open spaces not only mean you are able to get out faster if a fire does start, it also means any fire will burn slower.
Another area you should pay careful attention to is extension cords. Overloaded extension cords are a common source of fire in the home. Clear out unused electrical appliances and unplug anything you don’t use frequently.
Take a look around your home and make sure there is plenty of space between your furniture and wall outlets to ensure proper air flow and prevent overheating.
Your home can be protected from fires that start outside with some intentional landscaping in your yard. When you strategically lay out your trees and plants, it allows space for firemen to work and can stop a fire before it reaches your front door.
Landscaping your yard to be fire-safe is called creating defensible zones. Some states like California have actually established defensible zone requirements due to extremely effective defense they provide, but no matter where you are this type of landscaping is smart to include in your yard.
With Manistee National Forest in our backyard, creating defensible zones is especially essential for us. The month of May brought a number of red flag warnings, which signify an extreme risk of fire. Keep your yard clear of dead plants, limbs and leaves to offer additional protection as well.
Clearing clutter in the home and yard are not the only thing you can do to protect from fire. Give your stove a good deep-cleaning and have your chimney cleaned and inspected regularly to eliminate two other areas of the home with a high risk of fire.
It isn’t only hard work and deep-cleaning that lowers your risk, though. Dusting is also a great way to prevent fire. Pay special attention to dust collecting around appliances and outlets.
Our houses provide so much for us today—office space, classrooms, play and relaxation. Provide a safe environment for your home by keeping it clean and preventing the devastation fire could cause.
If you have experienced fire damage or want to learn more about our fire damage restoration services, contact us today @ 231-723-4872 we're available 24/7/365.