Steps You Can Take to Protect Your Future Home against Fire Damage

Whether you choose to repair your damaged home or move into a new home, you will want to do whatever you can to protect your property from fire damage in the future.  Here are a few easy steps you can take:

1.Install a Home Fire Sprinkler System

Home sprinkler systems are relatively affordable and highly effective at minimizing fire damage – not to mention saving lives.  When properly installed, home fire sprinklers are often able to contain flames and smoke to a single area of a home, while other areas remain dry, safe, and secure.

2. Have at least one ABC Fire Extinguisher in Your Home

An ABC fire extinguisher is a multi-purpose extinguisher suitable for putting out most types of home fires.  The “ABC” designation refers to the class of fires that the extinguisher is meant to fight:

• Class A: Paper, wood, cardboard, most plastics
• Class B: Gasoline, grease, kerosene, oil, and other flammable or combustible liquids
• Class C: Electrical fires

It is important to note that you should never attempt to extinguish class B or C fires with water.

Of course, having a fire extinguisher in your home is only half the battle.  You should also know how and when to use it.  Be sure to read the instructions for use before you use the extinguisher, and contact your local fire department to find out if they offer fire extinguisher training.

3. Install Smoke Detectors Strategically

Never install a smoke alarm near a window, door, or duct as it will not work properly.  It should also be located at least four inches away from the nearest wall.

4. Have Your Home Inspected by an Electrician

Whether you are having the electrical systems replaced in your fire-damaged home or moving into a new home, you should have an electrician inspect your home’s electrical system.  Through an electrical inspection, you can reduce not only the risk of fire, but also the risk of electrocution.

5. Use Good Old-Fashioned Common Sense

There are some pieces of fire safety advice that we have all heard, but many of us ignore.  Unfortunately, many home fires occur as a result of this.  Remember not to:

• Overload electrical sockets with too many plugs
• Use any cord or appliance with exposed wires
• Turn on your oven or stove and then leave it unattended
• Smoke around flammable objects or allow ash to fall onto carpeting or fabric
• Leave electrical appliances plugged in when they’re not in use
• Place flammable objects near your space heater
• Leave lit candles unattended

We at Fast Home Help want your future home to be a safe and secure place where you and your family can create many happy memories for years to come!