Top Nine Tips to Prevent a Catastrophic Home or Business Fire

The damage to a home or business property and possessions from a fire can be catastrophic. As a fire moves through a house or building, it destroys all before it, leaving behind smoke damage and an extensive amount of soot to clean up. According to government figures, it can take less than 30 seconds for a small flame to turn into a major fire, and only minutes for black smoke to fill an entire house or business building.

At Synergy Property Restoration, we’ve helped thousands of people recover their homes and businesses after the devastating effects of fire damage, some of which could have been avoided with simple home fire safety and prevention measures. We specialize in helping get things back on track for you and your property in the aftermath of a fire. Here are nine tips to avoid a fire in the first place.

Nine Tips To Prevent a Fire

Within our own homes and businesses, we all have a responsibility to minimize the risk of a fire destroying our property and possessions. Following some of these tips could help to make the difference to save your house or business from the devastating effects of a fire.

1. 1. Check to see if your smoke detectors work properlyThe most crucial first step to take is to ensure you have working smoke detectors. Check the batteries regularly and make sure that all family members, including children, know what they sound like when it goes off.
   2. Develop an evacuation plan
      Each member of your family or business should know how to evacuate from every room. This should include two evacuation routes in case one is blocked.
   3. Purchase working fire extinguishers
      Make sure that you have properly working fire extinguishers placed around the home or business. It is key to minimize the risk of a fire raging out of control. Put at least one on each floor of your home or business.
   4. Be cautious when cooking
      Never leave anything cooking on the stove unattended. Turn off your stove if you leave the kitchen.
   5. Smoke outside the home
      If someone smokes in the home, have them smoke outside and put out any cigarettes when finished. Avoid smoking inside the home, especially while in bed. Mattresses and bedding are highly flammable.
   6. Inspect your electrical cords and appliances
      Ensure that you are not using any electrical appliances that have frayed wires. Do not run cords under furniture. If you notice any electrical problems, such as hot light switches, turn them off and have them professionally inspected and/or replaced.
   7. Child-Safe your homeMake sure that all lighters and matches are kept out of the reach of children. Keep children away from lit candles and stoves. Teach fire safety to your children.
   8. Remove possible fuelYou may not think of piles of books, newspapers, blankets, etc. as being fuel, but in the event of a fire, they can be. Make sure you don’t have any of these lying around.
   9. Blow out candles
      Make sure you blow out candles if you are leaving the house or room for an extended time. Also, blow them out if you are going to sleep.

How To Put Out A Fire

Fire prevention is an essential aspect of avoiding fire damage. However, if you are unfortunate enough to be affected, it’s important to know how to effectively put out a fire. Once a fire has ignited, you’ll only have a matter of seconds before it spreads. To avoid further damage, ensure you’re aware of the best ways to put out a fire.

How To Use A Fire Extinguisher

Having a fire extinguisher on your property is one thing, but knowing how to use it is another entirely. There are several types of fire extinguishers, each having their own uses for different types of fire. You must use the right type, depending on the fire. Research the different types of class extinguishers and determine which one is best for you, your home, or business.

To stop a fire in your home using a fire extinguisher, follow these steps:

P – Pull the fire extinguisher pin to break the tamper seal.

A – Aim the extinguisher nozzle directly at the base of the fire.

S – Squeeze the trigger.

S – Sweep from side to side.

To use a fire extinguisher effectively, these steps are very important, especially aiming at the base of the fire. It will do nothing to stop a fire if you point the extinguisher at the top of the flames.

How To Put Out A Grease Fire

Grease fires are a prevalent type of domestic fire and can cause enormous damage due to the difficulty in putting them out. If you ever experience a grease fire in the kitchen, here are some tips for putting out an oil fire:

1. 1. • Turn Off The Heat – Immediately turn off the heat source to the fire.
      • Cut The Oxygen – Use the lid of the pot or a damp rag to cover the fire and starve it of oxygen.
      • Use A Fire Extinguisher – Use a Class B fire extinguisher to put out the fire.
      • No Water on a Grease Fire – Never throw water onto a grease fire as this will only cause more problems by creating the grease or oil to splash and spread the fire.

Taking these measures to avoid a fire in the home or business will reduce the chances of a disaster. If you are unfortunate enough to be the victim of a fire, Synergy Property Restoration’s team of fire recovery professionals can help you. With experience in everything from smoke damage to soot removal and a 24-hour emergency hotline, we’re here to help you get back to normal after a fire.

Contact our Synergy Property Restoration’s emergency response team at 855-630-4585, and we will find the right emergency response solution for you and your property.