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Easy Fire Safety Planning Tips for Your Family | SERVPRO® of South Bronx
11/7/2018 (Permalink)
Every year in the United States, more than 350,000 house fires occur, adding up to more than $5.5 billion in property damage. Besides the financial loss, these fires cause nearly 3,000 deaths and another 10,000 injuries.
Advance preparation is your best defense against a fire. That’s why it’s important for everyone in your family to be prepared and know how to prevent fires and how to respond if a fire does occur.
You can start by teaching your kids basic fire safety guidelines at an early age. Also take a look at three other fire safety guidelines you can practice together:
In the event of a fire, everyone in the family needs to know what to do—including how to escape a burning house and where to go once they’ve safely escaped.
But don’t just create a plan without having practice drills.
Practice makes perfect. Conduct regular practice drills of implementing your plan. Doing so will help you to remain calm and remember your family fire plan if a fire happens.
Thoroughly inspect your home. You may be surprised at how many fire hazards you spot! Take some time to inspect every room as well as all outdoor spaces to uncover and eliminate these hazards.
- Are all appliances working properly?
- Are there frayed or damaged electrical cords?
- Are your electrical outlets and/or extension cords overloaded?
- Are you using the proper wattage bulbs in your light fixtures?
- Are your electrical wires covered up by rugs or carpet?
One of the biggest house fire hazards is cooking. It is important to be especially careful in the kitchen.
Basic cooking safety is important to follow by anyone who’s cooking:
- Cooking when tired or otherwise not able to pay attention should be avoided.
- Always supervise kids and teens while they are cooking.
- Have a lid close by when cooking on the stove should a grease fire happen. Using the lid to cover the grease fire will help to smother the fire.
- If your oven catches fire, turn the oven off and keep the oven door closed.
- Leave the room and close the door if a kitchen fire occurs and begins to spread.
If your family has experienced a fire and needs help restoring your home, SERVPRO® of South Bronx can help! Give us call to learn about our fire restoration services and what we can do for you.