A fire will not only raze your home or place of business, but it will also take a tremendous amount of emotional toll on family members and employees. Fire damage can rake up to thousands of dollars in property repairs and may even cause more damage if not attended to immediately.
In addition to the heat and fire, the after-effects of smoke, including soot, debris, odor, and ash, can cause surface discoloration throughout a building and damage to belongings if not treated immediately. There may also be substantial water damage caused by firefighting efforts. With ServiceMaster by Disaster Relief’s rapid response, further damage can be prevented, especially when the holiday season starts.
To ensure you have a happy and safe holiday season this year, we’ve put together a collection of holiday safety tips.
Inspect Your Fire and Smoke Alarms.
- Working smoke alarms are some of the items that can save lives during a fire incident. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) reports that people in homes with operational smoke alarms have a 55% lower risk of dying compared to homes with no alarms.
- Check if your fire and smoke alarms are working properly. Check every smoke alarm monthly and replace batteries at least once a year.
- The American Red Cross launched the Home Fire Campaign in 2014 to "prevent fire-related deaths and injuries in the U.S. by installing 2.5 million free smoke alarms and helping to make 1 million households safer in at-risk communities." To learn how to help, join a Sound the Alarm event near you.
Learn How to Handle Grease Fires.
- Grease fires occur when oil reaches its smoking point or when fat or grease becomes hot enough to ignite.
- NEVER pour water, flour, or baking powder on a grease fire! For small, containable grease fires, use baking soda or salt.
- When a grease fire occurs, turn off the stove and slowly slide the lid over the pan, then put out the flame using baking soda or salt. Wait until the pan has cooled before you remove the lid.
- Only use a Class K fire extinguisher as a final resort. When the fire turns uncontrollable, leave your home and call 911 or the local fire department.
Use the Fireplace With Care.
- Whether you have a natural or gas fireplace, it is a source of heat and potential danger.
- Keep kids and pets away, be careful when placing decorations, and always make sure the fire is out before going to bed or leaving the house.
Use Candles Safely.
- Candles are a popular decoration during this time of the year. They add ambiance and delightful scents.
- Place candles in low-traffic areas and away from flammable materials.
- To be on the safe side, use battery-operated LED candles instead of lit ones.
Choose a Safe Artificial Tree.
- Choose a tree that is labeled fire-resistant. When setting it up, make sure the base is sturdy so it won’t tip or fall over.
- Place decorations with care and keep them away from heat and fire hazards.
- If you plan on using a real tree, choose one with fresh needles and keep it well-watered. To improve water absorption, cut at least two inches from the base of the trunk.
Check Your Holiday Lights.
- When hanging lights, use clips instead of nails to prevent cord damage.
- Do not use lights with faulty connections or frayed wires.
- Do not use lights intended for indoor use outside, and vice versa.
- Turn off your outdoor and indoor holiday lights before going to bed or leaving your home.
Practice Cooking Safety.
- Cooking fires are the major cause of household and commercial fires, according to the NFPA.
- It can be difficult to balance preparing a meal, being a host, and entertaining guests. As a result, many people leave cooking unattended. Get some help to make sure you are not stretched too thin.
- Keep flammable materials and items away from any heat source.
- Do not wear loose clothing when cooking.
- Keep children and pets safe by keeping them at least three feet away from the stove and by keeping matches and lighters in a safe place.
Keep a Working Fire Extinguisher Nearby.
- When you buy fire extinguishers for your home or business, it's important to get the right kind for your needs.
- There are different types of fires, mostly based on the fuel source. Every fire extinguisher has a rating that tells you what kinds of fires it can put out.
- If you know what each fire class means, you can tell which kinds of fires could be dangerous to your home or business.
- Once you know what kinds of fires could occur in your home, you can buy the right extinguisher/s to put them out.
Use Fireworks With Caution.
- When you buy fire extinguishers for your home or business, it's important to get the right kind for your needs.
- There are different types of fires, mostly based on the fuel source. Every fire extinguisher has a rating that tells you what kinds of fires it can put out.
- If you know what each fire class means, you can tell which kinds of fires could be dangerous to your home or business.
- Once you know what kinds of fires could occur in your home, you can buy the right extinguisher/s to put them out.
How to Use A Fire Extinguisher
Fire extinguishers can save lives and property with proper training and education. Contact your local fire department for fire extinguisher training and advice.
When operating a fire extinguisher, always remember the word PASS:*
- Pull the pin. Hold the extinguisher with the nozzle pointing away from you and release the locking mechanism.
- Aim low. Point the extinguisher at the base of the fire.
- Squeeze the lever slowly and evenly.
- Sweep the nozzle from side-to-side.
*You can get more information about fire extinguishers through the website of the U.S. Fire Administration.
Holiday Fire? Contact Us for Fire Damage Cleanup & Repairs in Oldsmar, Florida
Don’t know what to do next? We do. ServiceMaster by Disaster Relief‘ Emergency and Disaster Service Division is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at (813) 295-7797.
We service residential and commercial properties in Oldsmar, Clearwater, St. Petersburg, Largo, Pinellas Park, Tarpon Springs, Dunedin, Safety Harbor, Florida and the surrounding areas.
- Over 30 years of experience
- Licensed general contractor
- IICRC-certified firm
- Licensed and fully bonded technicians
- Advanced technology, techniques and equipment
- Fast response time
Contact us today to know how our qualified fire damage repair services can help. You may connect with us online to schedule an appointment.
