House fires are devastating. Not only is your property ruined by fire damage, but your family is at risk for injury or worse. There are ways to prevent fires at home, and with a little patience and practice, you will boost the safety of your property. Below are five tips to implement today.

How to Prevent House Fires

1. Cook Safely

Never leave pots and pans unattended, and be mindful of what’s near open flames like towels, curtains, recipe books, and potholders. Be conscious of loose clothing as you prepare food, and if you must leave the kitchen, remove any pots from the burner before exiting. Extend cooking safety practices to outdoor grills. Ensure any outside cooking areas are at least ten feet from your home or other structures and always pay close attention to the heat source.

2. Test Alarms

Smoke and fire alarms are your first alert to a problem. Test batteries monthly and replace old alarms with newer models that feature built-in carbon monoxide detectors. When batteries signal that they’re dying, do not wait to replace them — this can make all the difference in getting your family out safely in an emergency.

3. Beware of Flammables

Store flammable cleaners and other products away from heat sources. Follow storage directions on the packaging and keep them away from children. Also, be wary of other flammable items like candles. Never leave them burning unattended and keep them away from ignitable items like curtains and blankets.

4. Teach Children

Reinforce to children that fire is not a toy. Be honest about the dangers of playing with matches and stoves, and make sure they understand how risky it is to fool around with these items. Teach them how to get out safely in case of an emergency and show them where your meeting place is if you get separated.

5. Inspect Equipment

Keep up with heating equipment maintenance and have your furnace inspected annually to check that components are clean and in top shape. Also, change filters, so dirt and dust are not clogging your system and increasing the risk of fire damage. Have an electrical inspection to assess your lighting and power, especially if you notice flickering or dimming lights. Lastly, have dryer vents cleaned to remove highly flammable lint.

For fire damage and other reconstruction services, trust ServiceMaster Fire & Water Restoration Services. Located in Lexington, KY, their professional team brings more than 60 years of experience to every restoration job. Homes and businesses that have suffered smoke, water, and mold damage are fully repaired and safe again once the company has employed their effective, efficient techniques. For 24-hour smoke and fire damage services as well as mold remediation, call (859) 309-9964. Visit them online for their convenient contact form.