10 Steps to Take to Prevent a House Fire
KCRG Channel 2 reported, “The American Red Cross in Iowa says it is seeing an increase in the number of fires they are responding to this Summer. Local Fire Departments are seeing the same trend.” Here are 10 steps to take to prevent a house fire.
“The Cedar Rapids Fire Department responded to 345 fires in 2015. They are on pace to respond to a total of 417 this year. Officials say that is unusual because they typically see a downward trend in the Summer.”
“What we have seen is pretty much an ongoing steady flow of fires, particularly house fires,” said Peter Teahen with the American Red Cross.”
“Their organization has responded to a total of 35 fires and weather-related calls in June. That number jumped to 48 in July, and August’s responses so far are at 33.”
“We think of summers as not being a high fire season,” said Teahen.
“As for the increase, there’s no one clear reason as to why.”
Let Harmony Property Solutions, LLC remind you that many house fires can be prevented. Make sure you have working fire alarms in all bedrooms. They will save the lives of your family. There are 10 steps to prevent a house fire:
10 Steps to Take to Prevent a House Fire
The Co-operators suggest:
- Have your heating system serviced regularly by a professional, including chimneys from wood-burning fireplaces. Clean around heat sources and keep dust and other flammable items away from ignition sources.
- Remove lint from your dryer filter after every use. A clogged filter and lint trap make your dryer less efficient, reduces the airflow needed to keep heat from building up in vents, and forces lint onto the heating coils. Also, never let your dryer run when you’re out of the house or when you’re asleep.
- Keep firewood, piles of leaves and garbage away from the home. Never dump hot ashes inside or near your home; We are talking to you smokers.keep them in a metal container well away from your house and garage.
- Avoid using outlet extenders or plug-in power bars: they can quickly overload an electrical circuit. Replace old, damaged or frayed appliance cords, and never force a three-pronged plug into a two-slot outlet or extension cord.
- Store containers of cooking oil well away from the stove. When cooking with oil, never leave the stove unattended. To stop a grease fire, turn off the burner and place a lid on the pan to suffocate the flames, or pour on lots of baking soda. Never pour water on a grease fire or try to carry the pan outside; water splatters the grease and makes the fire bigger, and the pan will be much too hot to carry.
Travelers suggests
- Avoid using an older space heater, as it may not have adequate safety features compared to newer units. When purchasing a new space heater, ensure it is UL Listed, and pay attention to the safety features.
- Do not place a space heater near furniture, curtains, or other objects that could easily catch fire.
- If you plan to install an alternative heating system, such as a wood or pellet stove, follow the manufacturer’s instructions. If you are unsure about how to properly install the system, consider hiring a professional to do the installation.
- Before installing a wood or pellet stove, check to ensure it complies with the laws of your state and municipality.
- Never burn cardboard boxes, wrapping paper, trash or trees in your fireplace—these can all spark chimney fires.
If You Still Experience a Fire After All the Preventive Measures,
- Know who to call – It is your responsibility to call your insurance agent. This is a priority. Calling your insurance starts all the paperwork to establish a claim. Call relatives. Call the Red Cross who are used to helping families like yours.
- Establish a home base – Try to get back to a normal routine as quickly as possible. You will need temporary housing, clothing, basic bathroom items, medicines, school clothes for children, etc. Be sure to document everything to be reimbursed by your insurance company. You may even need to ask for a draw on your policy for the basics.
- Get a copy of the fire report – A fire report will discuss where in the house the fire occurred, the time of the incident, the date of the incident and the incident number if it comes through a fire department.
- Secure the property – the insurance company will require this.
- Keep track of all your expenses and correspondence regarding your loss. A three ring binder is a handy way to document the process.
- Coordinate with your insurance company the work needed to restore your home from fire, smoke, and water damage.
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