24/7 Emergency Service
Improve Your Fire Prevention With Simple Techniques | SERVPRO® of Van Nuys South
6/7/2022 (Permalink)
If your home is damaged in a house fire, SERVPRO of Van Nuys South is here to help. Contact us for any fire restoration need.
The risk of fires in our country continues to rise, and in fact, so far this year the American Red Cross has attended to over 20,000 house fires, which still only represents a small fraction of the total fires in the United States in 2022.
Smoke detectors continue to hold the top spot in terms of preventing loss of life and fire damage, but there are multiple other steps you can take to give you added protection. Some are more extensive than others, but many of them are relatively simple.
When it comes to your house, there are certain areas that stay hotter than others because of the appliances or features of the home in that area. Some of these zones include air vents, the fireplace and chimney, and especially the kitchen.
It’s important that you keep these areas clear of any blockages or excessive dust to reduce the risk of a fire.
The water heater is another high-risk area in your home. The outside boiler of the device gets so hot that it can ignite clothing, cardboard and paper with relative ease. Keeping this area clear and open allows proper airflow, and keeps flammable objects away from high levels of heat.
Dusty outlets and appliances are two other common sources of fire in the home. These spots get packed with dust that needs only a small spark to become a massive problem.
Fires that begin outside can spread by over 14 miles per hour. When they come knocking at your door, your yard is the last thing standing between your home and destruction.
Recently, there have been innovative landscaping methods that protect your home from the spread of outdoor fires and allow firemen to work with plenty of space while trying to work.
These techniques have been so useful, in fact, that states like California are imposing defensible zone requirements for yards, so following suit might also be a smart idea for you.
However, following these techniques doesn’t prevent you from tending to the garden and planting new flowers in your beds—they focus on placing plants in specific locations to prevent the fire from expanding.
The fire will weaken with the flammable objects spread further apart, so you should take the time and clear out any dead plants or leaves that could become fuel during a fire.
In addition to maintaining your appliances and yard, setting a good cleaning routine can help you limit fire hazards. Set a block of time, roughly a week, that you will spend a bit of time each day working on it. This will help lighten the load and accomplish it piece by piece.
However, taking steps toward fire prevention doesn’t have to be a complex regimen. Easy jobs like dusting regularly can help reduce the risk of a fire. Focus heavily on dust near any appliance or outlet, as these are likely spots for dust fires to begin.
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.