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Prevent Fires in Your Home Today | SERVPRO® of Tallahassee
6/16/2022 (Permalink)
Fire Loss
At this point in 2022, the American Red Cross has already responded to more than 20,000 house fires. This number only represents a small number of the home fires that have actually occurred so far this year in the United States.
While we know that smoke detectors continue to be the best way to prevent deaths and extensive damage due to fire, there are a few other easy ways to help minimize your risk of causing a house fire.
Clutter can so easily become an issue in all of our homes, but did you know that the excess clutter in your home can be fuel to a fire? Piles of clothing, excess blankets or that pile of mail or newspapers that you have been meaning to pare down can all become an easy meal for a house fire.
Loose outlets are another common source of fire in the home. If you have recently noticed an outlet that is wiggly when you plug something in to it, call an electrician to come out and tighten it back down.
It is a much better idea to take care of the issue now rather than deal with the aftermath of a house fire later.
Your yard is key in protecting your home from a fire that originates outside. By intentionally planting trees or shrubbery around your home, you can create a buffer between the fire and your house to give your local firemen more time to reach you before it consumes your walls.
Some states like California have actually imposed defensible zone requirements when landscaping due to their proven ability to slow outdoor fires. Even though we don’t live on the West Coast, we can still benefit from planting defensible spaces in Tallahassee.
In fact, the recent brush fire near Cold Harbor Drive proves that even a small spark can start a large problem. Defensible spaces would be helpful in this scenario to help slow an unexpected wildfire and the dangers they pose to your home.
Spring cleaning doesn’t simply benefit the functionality of your home—it can also help reduce fire risk. Give your stove and chimney a solid cleaning every season, and stay on top of your regular dusting to make sure you are giving your home the best chance to fend off a potential fire.
Our homes are our sanctuaries. They protect us from the elements and give us a sense of safety. It is easy to do these simple tasks regularly to make sure that your home will protect you and your family for years to come.
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.