Home Fire Prevention Tips | SERVPRO of Bartow County

7/12/2022 (Permalink)

If your home is damaged in a house fire, SERVPRO of Bartow County is here to help. Contact us for any fire restoration needs.

2022 is already off to a busy start in terms of house fires reported by the American Red Cross. They have responded to more than 20,000 house fires so far, and that number is not even the total number of fires that have happened so far this year.

While having a fully functioning smoke detector in your home is still the best way to prevent death and extensive damage from a house fire, there are other small things you can do in your daily life to help minimize your risk.

Clearing Clutter

Clutter can easily become an issue in our homes if we allow it to build up over time. Are your hallways, stairwells or entryways magnets for excess things like shoes or toys? These things create tripping hazards if a hasty exit is needed in an emergency.

Extra clothing or blankets left out can also be additional fuel to a home fire or can even spark a fire if left too close to water heaters or other heating units. Allowing your spaces to stay as open as possible can help slow the progression of a fire if one starts in your home.

Do you make a habit of utilizing every outlet in your home and use power cords frequently? Overloaded extension cords are a very common catalyst for house fires. Try not to leave things plugged in when they are not in use, and take care to not load up an extension cord simply because there is space to do so.

Leave plenty of space between furniture and wall outlets to allow for proper air flow and prevent overheating.

Your Yard as a First Defense

Your yard can actually be your first line of defense if a fire starts outside. Intentional landscaping can create a fire barrier around your home and slow a fire down while giving your fire department valuable time to get to you.

Some states like California have imposed defensible zone regulations due to their proven ability to slow home destruction. Even though we live in Georgia, we can still benefit from implementing this idea in our own yards.

To do so, consider how you space your plants and make sure to keep the flowerbeds and other landscaping clear of debris.

Clean It Up

Doing a good spring-cleaning can also help minimize your risk of house fires. Simple dusting or kitchen cleaning projects can greatly reduce any potential house fires. Dusting around outlets and appliances and taking special consideration of your stove are great places to start.

Our homes serve us in so many ways these days—we work, play and relax in them more than ever. Do your part in protecting your home by implementing some of these strategies.

If you have experienced fire damage or want to learn more about SERVPRO of Bartow County’s fire damage restoration services, contact us today. We’re here to act fast, 24⁄7.