Tips on Avoiding Fires

26 Jul Tips on Avoiding Fires

Our restoration division – Quality Restoration – restores many structures after fire damage. From single family residences, to apartments, to condos, to businesses of every kind, damage from catastrophic fires can happen anywhere, anytime.

In many instances, fires could have easily been avoided if proper safety measures had been followed.

Avoiding accidental fires in involves a combination of precautionary measures, regular maintenance, and awareness. Here are some essential tips to help prevent accidental fires:

Kitchen Safety

1. Stay Attentive: Never leave cooking food unattended. Stay in the kitchen when using the stove, oven, or other appliances.
2. Maintain Cleanliness: Keep stovetops, ovens, and range hoods free of grease buildup, which can ignite.
3. Manage Flammable Items: Keep flammable items like dish towels, paper towels, and curtains away from the stove and other heat sources.

Electrical Safety

1. Check Wiring: Regularly inspect electrical cords and replace any that are frayed or damaged.
2. Avoid Overloading Outlets: Do not overload electrical outlets or power strips. Use extension cords sparingly and appropriately.
3. Use Correct Bulbs: Ensure that light fixtures use bulbs with the correct wattage to prevent overheating.

Heating Safety

1. Space Heaters: Keep space heaters at least three feet away from anything flammable and never leave them unattended.
2. Fireplaces: Use a fireplace screen to prevent sparks from escaping and ensure the chimney is cleaned regularly.
3. Furnaces: Have your furnace inspected annually by a professional.

Smoking Safety

1. Smoke Outdoors: If possible, smoke outside. Use deep, sturdy ashtrays and ensure that cigarette butts are fully extinguished before disposal.
2. Avoid Smoking in Bed: Never smoke in bed or when drowsy to avoid falling asleep with a lit cigarette.

Candle Safety

1. Supervise Candles: Never leave burning candles unattended and extinguish them before leaving the room or going to bed.
2. Use Stable Holders: Place candles in sturdy holders and keep them away from flammable items like curtains and furniture.
3. Consider Alternatives: Use flameless LED candles as a safer alternative.

General Safety

1. Install Smoke Alarms: Ensure smoke alarms are installed on every level of your home, inside bedrooms, and outside sleeping areas. Test them monthly and replace the batteries at least once a year.
2. Have Fire Extinguishers: Place fire extinguishers in key areas such as the kitchen, garage, and workshop, and ensure household members know how to use them.
3. Plan an Escape Route: Create and practice a fire escape plan with your family, ensuring everyone knows two ways out of each room and where to meet outside.

By following these tips and staying vigilant, you can significantly reduce the risk of an accidental fire in your home or business. We hope that you never experience fire damage, but if you do, Quality Restoration will restore your home or business to pre-loss (or better) condition, while handling the entire restoration process, including ensuring you get the best outcome possible by working closely with your insurance when a claim is involved.