According to the National Fire Protection Association, an average of 358, 000 house fires occur in the US every year. And based on the report of the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the leading cause of such fires is cooking.

With such large numbers of house fires that happen in the country each year, it would be best for us to know what we should and shouldn’t do in those situations. That said, here are some safety tips you should follow:

Do’s

• Do find a disaster restoration company to help you with fire damage cleanup. It would be best to look for one as early as possible, so you’ll know exactly who to contact in case a fire occurs on your property.
• Do make sure that your smoke detectors and fire alarms are always working properly. Check them at least twice a year.
• Do familiarize yourself with your building’s evacuation plan. You should know where the fire exits are.
• Do keep lighters or matches in spaces that are out of reach of your children. Teach your kids about the dangers of playing with such tools too.
• Do ensure that your candles are placed on sturdy holders and surfaces. Keep them away from flammable materials as well.
• Do teach your children how to call 911.
• Do assign each of your family members a specific role or task in case of emergencies, such as a fire.
• Do follow any local bans and regulations for lighting fires outside.
• Do move anything that could easily catch fire (such as food packaging, towels, and wooden utensils) away from your stovetops and ovens.
• Do purchase at least one fire extinguisher for your home and keep it in an easy-to-access area. Learn how to use it as well.
• Do have your outdated electrical systems updated right away. And in case you notice any electrical malfunctions, have them examined by a certified electrician immediately.
• Do use the back of your hand to feel the doorknob and the top of the door before opening it in case of a fire. If they’re hot, there might be a fire on the other side.
• Do remember that your safety should be your top priority when a fire occurs. So, escape or evacuate the building first before calling for help.
• Do stay low to the floor if you encounter smoke, as its chemical composition could do serious damage to your brain and lungs.
• Do inform the firefighters about the location of the fire and any trapped person inside the building.

Don’ts 

• Don’t leave your candles, cooking appliances, incense, or other open flames unattended.
• Don’t try to kill or extinguish the fire yourself, especially when it has already spread. Evacuate the area immediately and call the experts for help.
• Don’t wait for a fire to occur to create an escape plan. Make one as early as possible and practice it together with your family.
• Don’t use wax candles unless you really have to. Use a battery-powered one or a flashlight instead.
• Don’t overload your power strips or electrical circuits by using a multi-plug.
• Don’t connect your generator to another power source.
• Don’t forget to unplug any appliances that are no longer in use.
• Don’t run your cords or wires under your carpets or rugs, as you won’t be able to notice any damage to them.
• Don’t block your escape routes by placing furniture or other decorations in your entryways.
• Don’t use gasoline or other combustible products to light a bonfire. And avoid starting a fire on windy days.
• Don’t use the elevator when escaping. Use the stairs instead.
• Don’t try to go back or re-enter a burning building for any reason. Always remember that your safety should be your top priority.

Contact Your Trusted Full-Service Disaster Restoration Company Now!

Dealing with the damages brought about by a fire can be very overwhelming. Many people are often left in shock, and they often don’t know what to do next. This is why it’s best to reach out to a full-service disaster restoration company during these troubled times.

Such businesses have professionals who are trained in the latest fire damage cleanup, repair, and restoration techniques. That said, you can be sure that they can help you get your home or business back in order at the soonest possible time. Get in touch with them now to set up an appointment.