Fire Prevention Tips for your Poughkeepsie, Wappingers, Beacon or Fishkill home

10/9/2019 (Permalink)

Stay safe with some simple fire prevention tips!

A fire can happen in less than 3 minutes. It’s a terrifying thought that there is such little time to get everyone to safety. There are several, simple things you can do in your home to help prevent fires.

-Test your smoke detector batteries once a month. Set a reminder on your phone to make it consistent. Keep in mind that smoke detectors have a life of 8-10 years, replace them when needed.  

-Install smoke detectors in the right spots- When placed in the correct locations in your home, it’s your best bet of getting to safety quickly.

-Inspect heating sources- Regardless of the type of system you have, an annual inspection will reduce any risks.

-Keep the oven and stove clear of anything- Make sure there are no curtains, towels, cookbooks, or anything flammable by or on the stove and oven. Kitchen fires are the most common places for house fires.

-Stay in the kitchen when cooking- Make sure pot handles are turned in and don’t leave the room with any food cooking. Turn off everything and take the pot or pan off the heat if you need to.

-Check the dryer and have dryer vent cleanings performed once a year.

-Maintain electrical cords- don’t keep them under a rug as cords produce heat. Use extension cords sparingly and unplug appliances that feel warm. Check for fraying or damage and replace immediately.

-Locate the shut-offs- All utilities have shut-off valves or switches in or on your home. Gas, appliances, circuit breakers, and water. Make sure all family members know where, when and how to use them.

-Keep flammable products away from heat sources- hair products, cleaners, and shaving cream  and combustibles like paint and gas should be kept in a cool, dark place.

-Never leave candles unattended- Keep them in secure, tip-proof holders and never near curtains or blankets. Set a reminder on your phone to extinguish them before leaving or sleeping.

-Practice fireplace safety- put a metal screen in front of the area, don’t leave the fireplace unattended and place the ashes in a metal container. Have a chimney cleaner come at least once a year to prevent build up that could cause a fire.

-Prevent wildfires- Keep a bucket of water available if you’re using a fire pit, having a bonfire or using a burn barrel. It only takes one spark!

-Keep fire extinguishers handy- Have one in the kitchen and other high risk areas like a fireplace or garage. Learn the P.A.S.S system for how to use it effectively.

-Know your location- firefighters need an exact address, make sure every member knows it.

Learn all you can about fire prevention and talk it over with your family members. If you do ever experience fire damage, call the trained experts at SERVPRO of Western Dutchess County 24/7, we’re here to help and will make it Like it never even happened.