4 Tips for Fire Safety

10/22/2019 (Permalink)

Unattended cooking is one of the biggest causes of fires in the home. Prevent a disaster by following these fire safety tips.

While no one expects a fire in their home, the reality is that fire departments in the United States respond to a fire call every 24 seconds, according to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).

Follow these four fire safety tips that can help you and your family avoid being surprised by a fire disaster in your home. 

1. Cook safely

Cooking—especially unattended cooking—is the biggest cause of fires and injuries in homes, according to the NFPA.

• Stay in the kitchen if you’re frying, boiling, grilling or broiling If you have to leave—even for a short time—turn off the stove.
• Remain nearby if you are simmering, baking or roasting, and use a timer to remind you to check the food often.
• Keep flammable items (oven mitts, dish towels, wooden utensils or food packaging) away from the cooktop.
• Maintain a “kid-free zone” at least three feet around the stove or where any other hot food is being prepared (such as near a slow cooker).

2. Heat your home safely

As winter approaches, follow these heating safety tips from the NFPA:

• Keep flammable items at least three feet away from heating equipment, such as a furnace, space heater, fireplace or wood stove.
• Turn space heaters off before leaving a room or going to sleep.
• Never leave pets or children unsupervised near a space heater or wooden stove, and keep them at least three feet away.
• Never use your oven to heat your home.
• Have your furnace and fireplace cleaned and inspected by a professional before using them this winter.

3. Check your electrical cords

About 2,000 fires each year are due to damaged electrical cords, overloaded plugs or short circuits, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). 

• Purchase and use cords, power strips, etc. that are certified by an independent testing lab (check the label).
• Check all your electrical cords for fraying, cracks or other signs of wear, and replace damaged cords or have them professionally repaired.
• Use extension cords only when necessary and not for an extended period of time. Don’t run extension cords across doorways or under carpeting.
• Avoid overloading outlets and power strips with more plugs than they are intended for.
• Use cords labeled “for outdoor use” when using appliances or tools outside.

4. Test your smoke detectors

• Test your smoke detectors once a month and change the batteries at least once a year (perhaps at the beginning or end of daylight saving time).
• Replace any smoke detectors that are more than 10 years old. 
• Install a smoke detector inside every bedroom, outside each sleeping area and on every floor in your house, including the basement.

When you have suffered a fire or other disaster at your home or business, call SERVPRO of Glastonbury/Wethersfield today at 860.633.8791

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After a fire, the team at SERVPRO of Glastonbury/Wethersfield uses specialized fire restoration training and experience to quickly clean up and restore your home to pre-fire condition. Call SERVPRO of Glastonbury/Wethersfield (860.633.8791) any time.

SERVPRO of Glastonbury/Wethersfield
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Noemi Garcia
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When you have suffered a fire or other disaster at your home or business, call SERVPRO of Glastonbury/Wethersfield today at 860.633.8791