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Clear the Clutter to Prevent Fires | SERVPRO® of Houston County
6/6/2022 (Permalink)
If your home is damaged in a house fire, SERVPRO of Houston County is here to help. Contact us for any fire restoration needs.
The American Red Cross has already responded to over 20,000 house fires since the start of 2022. Fires are the most prevalent natural disaster in the United States, claiming thousands of lives each year. Preventing fires will not only save your home, but it can also save your life.
Unplugging appliances, blowing out burning candles and checking your smoke detector on a regular basis are all simple ways to prevent fires within your home. Another simple strategy to prevent fires that you may not have considered is to clean your house thoroughly! Cleaning up around the house can help minimize your risk of a fire.
Clutter can quickly accumulate in your home, obstructing hallways and staircases. This poses a major fire threat if a fire breaks out, since the clutter could cause the flames to spread quickly.
Keep your house clutter-free by storing any loose clothing or blankets and disposing of trash and boxes. Cleaning up any clothing or blankets around the house could help to keep a fire from spreading. It also makes it easier for you and your family to flee if necessary.
Piled up clothes near a water heater is another frequent cause of house fires. When your water heater heats up, the pile of clothing nearby could catch fire.
Make sure that clothing is not piled up near any equipment that uses heat; this can significantly reduce the danger of fires starting.
You may not realize it because many fires start inside the home, but the cleanliness of your house’s outside is important as well! A well-planned yard layout could keep exterior fires at bay and prevent them from reaching your home.
In the wake of wildfires, California has set regulations for defensible zones, which provide firefighters with room to put out fires and prevent fires from spreading to homes. Even in Houston County, this could be useful in preventing the spread of external fires in your yard.
Defensible space doesn’t mean you can’t plant what you’d like—it simply involves being strategic about the placement of plants near your house.
Cleaning up any litter, dead shrubs and limbs outside your property is another way to keep fires at a distance. They are yet another factor that only serves to strengthen and build a fire.
Cleaning your home and yard regularly should be a habit for everyone, not simply to keep it tidy, but also to reduce fire risk! Another method to reduce fire hazards is to thoroughly clean your appliances, such as your oven and refrigerator.
Deep-cleaning the entire house can help prevent fires from spreading and ensure that if you need to evacuate in the event of a fire, there will be a clear path to escape. Keeping your home clutter-free is a simple strategy to avoid disastrous fires from starting while also keeping your home and yard tidy!
Even dusting is an act of defiancé against fire. Dust all surfaces and objects regularly to keep dust and dirt from piling up, and pay particular interest around outlets and appliances.
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.