Tips to Prevent a House Fire in Houston

January 31, 2019
A house fire is truly devastating. The potential loss of life, possessions, and property weigh heavily on everyone. The worst part is that a house fire can occur at any moment. You could be fast asleep in your bed or cooking a meal in the kitchen. Faulty wiring and mishaps in the kitchen are one of the most common causes of house fires today.

If you wish to avoid the long-term devastation of a house fire, take precautions. You owe it to yourself and your family to prevent a fire from ever occurring. Here are a few professional tips to reduce the risk altogether.

Fire Prevention Tips
According to the Red Cross, house fires lead to over $7 billion in property damages every single year. The insurance companies work around the clock to help homeowners following a disastrous fire. Still, it’s better to prevent one outright. Consider the following useful tips, which relate to the most common causes of house fires in the country

Faulty Wiring
On occasion, check the electrical cords throughout your home for noticeable signs of fraying or damage. Replace them as needed.

Never pinch or cover your electrical cords with flammable objects, such as rugs or clothes.
Be sure you know the capacity of your home’s electrical system; do not overload the circuits.
Know the difference between surge protectors and power strips to avoid overloading the system.

Kitchen
While cooking, do not leave any pots or pans unattended on the stove.
Be sure to have a fire extinguisher nearby and know how to properly use one.
Keep the stove and oven clean of any food debris or grease, as both can ignite when cooking.

Appliances
If you intend to install a dryer vent for a clothes dryer, follow the manufacturer’s instructions to the letter. 
Use recommend duct material and consider hiring a professional to handle the job.
Clean the dryer vent regularly to avoid fire risks.
Clean the lint filter following each load of laundry.
Lint can collect underneath and behind the dryer; clean these areas adequately on occasion.

Chimneys
If you have a fireplace and chimney, be sure to schedule an annual inspection of both and a thorough cleaning to prevent fires. Schedule repairs as needed, especially before winter.

Use seasoned wood only, never green or damp wood.

Never burn cardboard boxes, wrapping paper, trash, or plants in your fireplace. All of these items create sparks that can ignite a nearby carpet or other flammable objects.

One last useful tip that can make a world of difference in protecting your family and possessions is to test your smoke detectors each month and change the batteries as needed. If you have a smoke detector, it can save your life by providing an early warning of a severe house fire.

If your home has suffered from an extensive house fire, call Restoration 1 Central Houston by calling us. We provide expert fire damage restoration designed to restore your property and provide a safe, comfortable environment!
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