A Few Easy Steps to Prevent House Fires | SERVPRO® of Eastern Rockland County

6/9/2022 (Permalink)

If your home is damaged in a house fire, SERVPRO of Eastern Rockland County is here to help. Contact us for any fire restoration needs.

Since the start of 2022, the American Red Cross has responded to at least 20,000 house fires, and that only represents a small portion of the total number of fires that have occurred so far this year in the United States.

Hopefully, you have several smoke detectors already installed in your home as they remain the top way to protect your life, but there are several other ways you can prevent fire. Cleaning a few specific areas can do a lot for preventing damaging fires.

<h3the-clutter">Clear the Clutter

Clutter is likely not your favorite part of your home, so use this as a motivator to clean it out: Clutter can actually create a fire hazard. When hallways, stairwells or utility spaces fill up with items you don’t use on a regular basis, it can not only block essential emergency exit routes—it can also serve as fuel and quicken the spread of a fire once it starts.

Cloth items such as blankets, pillows or clothing can actually start a fire if left near a water heater. When you keep your space open, you not only can get out quickly when you need to, but you can also slow down the progression of flames.

Another area of the home you should address is your electrical outlets and extension cords. Overloaded extension cords are a common source of house fires. Remove any unused electrical appliances, and unplug those that you don’t use often.

Structure fires and home fires are the highest occurring types of fire in our neighborhoods, and since most of us live in smaller spaces that are densely populated, keeping your home free of hazards is especially important. Kitchen fires are the No. 1 source of all fires, so pay particular attention to your outlets and appliances here and never leave cooking unattended.

Ensure there is room between walls and furniture so that outlets do not overheat and air is able to flow freely.

<h3a-defensible-space-in-your-yard">Create a Defensible Space in Your Yard

Your yard can be the first defense in protecting your home from a fire that originates outside. Landscaping that is laid out intentionally can prevent fires from reaching your doorstep while allowing for firemen to work.

Strategically created areas in your yard are called defensible zones. This type of landscaping is so effective in the fight against wildfires that some states like California have imposed certain requirements for homeowners. New York may be densely urban, but that does not make us immune from wildfires, so this kind of landscaping is smart for all of us.

This doesn’t mean you can’t plant your favorite flowers; instead, it requires the strategic placement of plants to provide the maximum protection. You should also keep your yard clear of dead plants, leaves and tree limbs as these only provide fuel to fires.

<h3it-clean-keep-it-safe">Keep It Clean & Keep It Safe

Clearing the clutter in your home and yard are not the only ways you can clean your way to a safer home. Deep-clean your stove and have your chimney cleaned regularly to eliminate two more high-risk areas in your home.

Lowering your risk of fire isn’t all deep-cleaning, though, since even dusting can help a great deal. Pay special attention to dust gathering around outlets and other electric appliances.

Our homes are our safe space. They serve us as offices, schools and play areas these days, so keeping them safe is even more essential.

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.