Simple Ways to Help You Plan and Prepare for Fires | SERVPRO® of East Mecklenburg/Matthews

6/3/2022 (Permalink)

Having a team on your side after a disaster can help relieve stress. SERVPRO® of East Mecklenburg/Matthews is here to help when a fire strikes.

The amount of home fires that we see in our country continues to rise year after year. Even though wildfires are becoming increasingly common in new regions, houses are being built with materials that are more flammable than ever before. Things like carpet, fabric furniture and insulation all add fuel to the fire.

As mentioned before, wildfires continue to expand their reach around the country, but the highest risks in North Carolina are actually in our homes. Cooking is the most common cause, but other appliances like dryers and water heaters can also spark flames when you least expect it.

Fires also spread the damage faster than most other disasters, with the ability to double in size every 60 seconds, so you may only have two minutes to escape when your home is ablaze.

How You Can Be Ready

Understanding that some areas of your home are more at risk than others can give you a good place to begin your preparations. Any room with heating elements or major appliances should be kept clear, allowing for proper airflow for when things heat up.

Additionally, make sure that you never leave the oven, stove or any candles/incense lit or turned on, as these cause nearly one-fifth of home fires.

Fire Detection

As is the case with all disasters, recognizing when and where they’re taking place can help you stop them in their tracks or escape if needed. With the average cost of home repairs after a fire being over $17,000, it’s important to act fast when they happen.

By utilizing fire detection devices, you can have an early warning before the problems escalate.

Smoke alarms are proven to prevent further damage and loss of life from fires, so having proper coverage in your home is crucial. Make sure there are detectors on every floor, including the attic, and in every bedroom and kitchen to have complete home coverage.

Fires can also release carbon monoxide, which is an invisible and odorless gas that can be extremely dangerous for humans and animals. Installing carbon monoxide alarms in various parts of your home can alert you when you may be in danger.

Escaping a House Fire

When fires do sprout, leaving your home and calling the fire department is the only safe option. We often find ourselves panicking during a fire, so it’s important to establish a fire escape plan for you and your family

The first step in developing an emergency plan is to gather the members of your household and draw the layout of your home on a piece of paper. Then decide on the best and most easily accessible exits, looking at all of the potential fire hazards in your home.

If you have a multi-story home, investing in fire escape ladders for the upstairs bedrooms can be a real lifesaver if people were unable to use the stairs.

The best exits will be on the ground level, either through a window or door that isn’t close to a major fire risk, as these can be blocked during an emergency. The plan should account for everyone that may need assistance escaping, and have everyone outside within two minutes.

Once your plan is ready for action, run through a few tests with your family members to ensure that things flow smoothly. Taking these steps and following the right safety precautions can help you reduce your home’s risk, and know the next move for when fires break out.

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