By TaraPatta at shutterstock

It takes just a few minutes for a single flame to escalate into a widespread fire in your home. A flame is like a living being. It searches for fuel to consume, providing it energy. Unfortunately, the majority of your home is fuel. A fire will lick at the drywall, floorboards, and furniture — everything you hold dear.

However, fire is, for the most part, a preventable disaster. You can take steps to reduce fire hazards in your home to protect your property and family. If all else fails, 24-hour fire damage restoration is available to reverse the damage.

Common Fire Hazards Around the Home

If you take a look around your home, you might notice one or two potentially dangerous fire hazards. For example, there might be a bit too much dust caked on your power strip. Or, your smoke detector is flashing — a fresh set of batteries is needed.

In the Kitchen

Your kitchen is the one room most prone to fires; usually the stovetop is the cause for concern. While you’re cooking in the kitchen, stay aware at all times.

• Keep curtains, towels, and paper towels away from the burners on your stove.
• If your microwave is freestanding, keep the surrounding area clear of clutter and prevent blockage around the vents.
• Keep a working fire extinguisher within easy reach in case of a cooking fire.
• Do not toss water over a grease fire; smother it.

Heating and Electrical Systems

We’ve paired both heating and electrical systems together as they commonly coincide.

• If you are using a space heater, keep it at least three feet from flammable objects.
• Do not plug multiple heating appliances into a single outlet.
• If you have a fireplace, schedule regular cleaning.
• Check your electrical wiring for signs of fraying or damage.
• Do not overload an outlet or power strip.

Appliances

Your home’s appliances usually make life easier, but if the proper precautions are not taken, they can quickly lead to extensive damage.

• Schedule regular inspections and maintenance for your household appliances, especially a dryer.
• Regularly clean the lint screen on your dryer to reduce the risk of a fire.

Fire Safety Tips for Families

With hundreds of thousands of reported house fires each year, we would like to take some time to educate homeowners with proper fire safety tips.

• Plan an escape route and practice it at least twice per year with the whole family.
• If possible, extinguish the fire yourself while calling the fire department.
• Focus rescue efforts on people and pets first. Your safety is more important than possessions.
• If there is a lot of smoke, remember to stop, drop, and crawl for safety.
• Always test doorknobs for signs of fire on the opposite side.

Schedule 24-hour fire & smoke damage restoration at the first sign of trouble to reverse the damage. Call your local Restoration 1 for relief.