Fire Safety Is A Year-Round Concern

4/19/2017 (Permalink)

When it comes to keeping your family safe, fire prevention is at the top of the list. And while there have never been as many resources as there are today, many families are still unprepared for the possibility of a home fire. Fires kill an average of over 2,500 people every year according to the NFPA and destroy countless homes. Most fires are preventable.

The first key to fire safety is proper preparation. Having a plan and making sure each family member knows it well is key to safety. You can start with the resources found here: http://www.nfpa.org/public-education/resources/safety-tip-sheets.

Purchase fire extinguishers and place them strategically throughout the home. Fire extinguisher instruction sheets typically have a map showing where fire extinguishers should be placed to maximize safety.

Purchase or replace smoke detectors. Smoke detectors are the primary alerting system for fires in the home. There are different types of smoke alarm sensors and some confusion over which is better. Ideally, have a dual sensor smoke alarm in each suggested location, or one of each sensor at that location. If the smoke detector has a heat sensor and/or carbon monoxide detector built in, even better. Refer to the smoke alarm instruction manual for proper placement and locations throughout the home. Your smoke alarm system may also be hardwired with an intercommunication line. Many recently built homes will be wired in this manner. This means that if one smoke alarm triggers, every smoke alarm in the house will trigger with it, alerting everyone in the home and not just where the smoke or fire originates.

Many security systems now offer the ability to add a monitored smoke alarm for a small added fee. The peace of mind knowing that someone is monitoring your home whether you are there or away may be worth the small extra charge.

It is also important to remember that it is often the thick, toxic smoke created by a fire that ultimately overwhelms and disables occupants of the house. Be mindful of this when choosing fabrics and floor coverings, as you may have the option of picking items that are either fire resistant or less toxic. Check for fire ratings when furnishing your home.

Of course, if a devastating fire were to occur, once you have secured your family members, SERVPRO of Bellmore / Wantagh is here to help with the cleanup. From fire to smoke damage and more, our advanced cleaning capabilities can help you bring your home back to its original condition.