Fire Prevention Tips

3/9/2018 (Permalink)

Have A Fire or Smoke Damage Emergency? Call SERVPRO of Hancock Park/Hollywood at 323-545-6115

Each year, more than 4,000 Americans die in fires, more than 25,000 are injured in fires, and more than 100 firefighters are killed while on duty. Eighty three percent of all civilian fire deaths occurred in residences. Many of these fires could have been prevented. Direct loss due to fires is estimated at nearly $8.6 billion annually. Intentionally set structure fires resulted in an estimated $664 million in property damage. The following are things you can do to protect yourself, your family, and your property in the event of a fire:

SMOKE ALARMS AND CARBON MONOXIDE DETECTORS

• Install smoke alarms. Properly working smoke alarms decrease your chances of dying in a fire by half.
• Place smoke alarms on every level of your residence, including the basement.
• Install a working carbon monoxide detector in the common area of the bedrooms.
• Test and clean smoke alarms once a month and replace batteries at least once a year. Replace smoke alarms once every 10 years.

COOKING SAFETY

• Never leave cooking unattended.
• Always wear short or tight-fitting sleeves when you cook.
• Keep towels, pot holders and curtains away from flames
• Never use the range or oven to heat your home.

ESCAPING THE FIRE

• Have an escape plan. Review escape routes with your family.
• Make sure windows are not nailed or painted shut.
• Teach family members to stay low to the floor, where the air is safer, when escaping from a fire.
• In high-rise, never lock fire exits or doorways, halls or stairways. Never prop stairway or other fire

doors open.

HEATING SOURCE

• Place space heaters at least three feet away from flammable/combustible materials.
• Use only the type of fuel designated for your space heater.

MATCHES/LIGHTERS AND SMOKING

• Keep matches/lighters away from children.
• Never smoke in bed or when drowsy or medicated.
• If you must smoke, do it responsibly.

ELECTRICAL WIRING

• Inspect extension cords for frayed or exposed wires or loose plugs
• Make sure outlets have cover plates and no exposed wiring.
• Make sure wiring does not run under rugs, over nails, or across high traffic areas.
• Do not overload extension cords or outlets.