Six Important Fire Prevention Tips | SERVPRO of Norristown

8/15/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Norristown specializes in fire damage restoration and reconstruction.

Residents in Norristown and its surroundings should make fire safety their first and foremost priority. The calamity of fire is one of the most terrifying and deadly incidents that can afflict a home. The National Fire Protection Association reports that nearly 365,500 home fires broke out in America in 2015, killing 2,650 civilians and causing more than $7 billion in property damage. 

The home must be meticulously detailed and carefully maintained to ensure that it is safe from fire and other hazards. Let's explore a few effective tips to prevent fire in the home.

Tips to Prevent Fire in The Home

Following are the 6 tips to prevent fire in the home:

1. Beware of the Fire Hazards in Your Home

There is no way around the oven. However, there may be other things in your home that you should remove or relocate. Do you know that glass decor kept near a window actually absorbs sunlight and magnifies it onto a nearby carpet or curtain? If you don't relocate it, then you are willingly inviting a fire hazard.

2. Be sure to Examine your Smoke Alarms 

You should examine your alarm system at least once a month. It is also a good idea to replace smoke alarms that are over eight years old. Make sure you have the proper number of smoke alarms, as recommended by the U.S. Fire Administration. Install smoke alarms outside each sleeping area, in every bedroom, and in every level of the entire house (including the basement). Make sure all of them are interconnected for optimal protection.

3. Become familiar with your Home's Electrical System 

Electricity is an important component of everyday life, but only when it's used correctly. An electrical contractor should inspect your home's electrical work when you are buying or remodeling a home. Next, search for frayed cords and exposed wires. 

Furthermore, if you are experiencing intermittent problems with your circuit breakers, tingling when you touch an appliance, discolored or warm outlet walls, flickering or dimming lights, or sparks coming from an outlet, call an electrician immediately.

4. Make sure your Heat Sources are Working Properly

Your furnace should be serviced by a professional every year. Identifying any failures could prevent a fire. Do you have a space heater handy to add even more warmth? Avoid placing it near curtains and furniture that might catch fire. An annual inspection of your chimney is necessary if you own a wood-burning fireplace.

5. Keep Combustible Materials in a Safe Place 

The use of flammable products should always be avoided near heat sources. Make sure you store hairspray, cleaning supplies, and garden tools in a dark, cool place. As a final precaution, gasoline, kerosene, and propane should be stored outside in their original containers.

6. Make sure Potting Soil does not catch Fire

Potting soils contain a lot of peat moss, which can become highly flammable when dried too much. The potting mix also contains shredded wood, bark, and Styrofoam. Additionally, they easily ignite when dry. So, make sure potting soil is not kept near the fire.

In case of a fire emergency, call emergency services. If a fire incident occurs at your home in Norristown surroundings, you can also contact SERVPRO for fire safety and restoration services.