No one wants their most prized possessions burned to a crisp. Partying, smoking, and drinking may all be part of homeowners’ lifestyle, but they could be putting you at a higher risk of fire.
Over the years, cigarettes, smoking materials, and candles have caused the most injuries in the 18 to 24-year-old age group. More than half of all accidental dwelling fire deaths amongst this age group occur in the kitchen when cooking—when handling hot substances or through the misuse of electrical equipment.
In 2021, local fire departments in the United States responded to 1,353,500 fires, disasters which resulted in 3,800 civilian deaths and a staggering $15.9 billion in property damage. Of these deaths, 75% were caused by home fires. The key to preventing these casualties is public awareness about fire safety and prevention.
There is only one type of fire emergency—the unexpected type. That’s why fire safety and prevention must be observed at all times. But very few of us seem to take fire safety seriously. How long has it been since you last checked the batteries in your smoke alarms? When was the last time you designated and regularly practiced a fire safety plan in your home? If the answer to either of those questions is “It has been a while,” then we suggest a brief refresher on the most basic fire safety practices. ServiceMaster of the Upstate has compiled a list for you.
The Dangers of Smoke Damage
Firstly, it’s important to understand that burned areas of the home or office are full of damages and hazards. Even if the fire has been controlled, the danger remains due to smoke. This is because smoke can travel through your plumbing systems, and when synthetic materials are heated they become toxic.
Besides this, the odor of smoke can make it difficult for you and your family members to breathe. Therefore, it’s extremely important to call for a professional like ServiceMaster of the Upstate for fire damage repair in Greenville SC, as well as smoke, soot, and odor removal in Greenville, SC to avoid such risks.
Since fires aren’t known for preventing themselves, below is a list of a few things you need to remember.
21 Fire Safety Tips
- Have a fire safety plan. Make sure everyone in the house understands what to do in the event of a fire. Identify your escape routes.
- Fit smoke alarms on each level of the property and test them weekly. Maintain your smoke alarms. Replace batteries as needed and replace the entire alarm every 10 years.
- Never leave cooking unattended, and never attempt to cook while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
- Keep fire extinguishers handy. Fire extinguishers can control small, contained fires. Have one in the kitchen and any other room where a fire might potentially start.
- Don’t overload plug sockets. Switch off electrical appliances, like phone chargers and hair straighteners, when not in use.
- Install a sprinkler system. A sprinkler system can be very effective in controlling fires at the early stages, reducing the risk of death by 80%.
- Store flammable substances carefully. Ensure that gasoline, cleaning agents, and similar flammable substances are kept in a well-ventilated area, out of reach of children and away from heat sources.
- Take extra care with cigarettes and smoking materials. Keep an eye on smokers. Careless smoking is a leading cause of fire deaths.
- Never leave candles unattended. Use flameless candles. These are a safe alternative to regular candles as they pose no fire risk.
- Keep your stove and oven clean. Cooking fires are the leading cause of home fires. A buildup of grease or food particles can ignite when the stove or oven is turned on.
- Keep matches and lighters out of the reach of children. Always store them in a locked cabinet.
- Keep portable heaters and space heaters at least three feet (one meter) away from anything that can burn.
- Regularly inspect and maintain your heating sources. Poorly maintained heating equipment often leads to home fires. Get your heating equipment and chimneys cleaned and inspected annually by a qualified professional.
- Do not use the range or stovetop to heat your home. It could easily overheat and start a fire.
- Regularly inspect your home for faulty wiring. Check for frayed cords, overloaded circuits, and faulty outlets.
- Teach fire safety to children. Make sure they know the dangers of fire and make sure they know the emergency escape plan.
- Don’t run electrical cords under rugs. This poses a tripping hazard and could lead to a fire if the wire is defective.
- Ensure you have sufficient ventilation. When using fuel-burning appliances, dangerous fumes can cause a fire if not adequately ventilated.
- Never use a barbecue indoors or in a confined space. Not only is this a fire hazard, but it also exposes inhabitants to toxic fumes.
- Be careful with flammable decorations. Don’t put up flammable decorations near heat sources or leave them up for extended periods.
- If a fire starts, get out, stay out, and dial 911.
Remember: SAFETY FIRST! In the event of a fire, it’s important to call for fire damage restoration services in Greenville, SC right away.
Contact South Carolina's Most Trusted Fire Damage Restoration Company
Smoke and fire can do a great deal of damage to your property, plumbing, and personal belongings. Once the firefighters leave your turf, make sure to call ServiceMaster of the Upstate at (864) 310-7891 immediately for fire damage restoration services. Customers can also schedule an appointment online.
Why Choose ServiceMaster of the Upstate?
- Emergency and callouts 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
- 15 years of experience
- Trusted restoration team
- Advanced equipment and methods
We service Upstate South Carolina, including Greenville, Greer, Spartanburg, Laurens, Newberry, Saluda, and Simpsonville and surrounding areas. Contact us today..
