Fire Prevention

10/12/2021 (Permalink)

October:Fire Prevention Month

 October is National Fire Prevention Month. At SERVPRO of Wood, Ritchie, and Pleasants Counties, we wanted to remind everyone to practice their fire escape plans and test their smoke alarms in order to prevent house fires. We also wanted to remind you of some simple things you can do to lower your risk of a fire:

• Test your smoke detector regularly. The easiest way to avoid a fire is by checking your smoke alarms. Press the little button to test it. If the beep is weak, change the batteries as soon as possible.
• Inspect your heating sources. If your heating sources are not working right, they can trigger a fire. Your heat source needs to be in a place that is away from anything that is flammable. Make sure you clean your heating source regularly to keep dirt and debris from catching fire
• Clean your stove and oven. Cleaning your oven and stove can prevent food particles from getting too hot and causing a fire.
• Don’t Leave the Kitchen when you’re cooking. It takes just a few seconds for a fire to start. If you have to leave your kitchen, make sure to turn off your burner first.
• Check your Dryer. Make sure you clean your lint trap every time you do a new load of laundry. Inspecting your dryer on a yearly basis is great as well.
• Check your cords. Before plugging something in, make sure your wires aren’t damaged. If they are, replace them. This can be a huge fire hazard. Check where you are running your cords as well, running them under a rug or between your wall and your furniture can be a bad idea, because cords tend to get hot.
• Use Candles Cautiously. Who doesn’t love a good, scented candle? Especially in the fall. Make sure putting them out before leaving a room. If you feel like you’re about to go to sleep, make sure the candle is out. Keep them out of reach of pets and children. Placing them on a hard even surface. Keeping them away from any objects can prevent a possible fire as well.
• Store flammable objects properly. Hairspray, cleaning products, and even shaving cream can be as hazard if they are exposed to a lot of heat, they can combust. Store them in a cool area.
• Keep a Fire extinguisher handy. Fire extinguishers are your best friend when a fire starts. Be sure to have one definitely in the kitchen. Make sure each family member knows where it is and how to use it, so if a fire does happen, it can be put out as quickly as it started.
• Use caution with your fireplace. Make sure you have a door between your fire and your floor. Never leave the room when a fire is going. When you put your fire out make sure your ashes are cool before throwing them out. Also, throw them away in a metal container that is specifically just for the fireplace ashes.

House fires are most often caused by cooking and heating equipment risks, which increase during this time of the year. This month is a great time for families to prepare themselves before the most high-risk time of year for fires, and fire emergencies. Preventing and preparing could save your life and your home. Having an escape plan in place and practicing it, is just as important as doing all the things listed above! Be sure to prepare and stay safe this holiday season!