Fire safety can be an overwhelming topic, but it is an important one for both you and your family. Knowing how to handle a fire situation should it arise, is the best option for everyone.
Smoke detectors: Installing smoke detectors is the best way to protect your family in case of fire. Put one on every level of your home so that you can be warned of smoke or invisible combustion gases that could be lurking in the air. Check them every month to make sure they are working properly, and change the batteries once a year, or as needed.
Call emergency numbers: but not from inside a burning house! It is a good idea to have phone numbers posted near your telephone in case of an emergency, but when a fire threatens your family’s safety, first thing’s first. Get everyone out of the house immediately and find a different phone to make your emergency calls.
Stay low: If your house is filled with smoke, try not to panic. Drop to the ground and try to breathe the cleaner air there as you make your way out of your home. Touch all doors before you open them. If they feel hot, find another way out.
Stop, drop, and roll: This classic fire safety rule hasn’t changed over the years. If you clothes or hair are on fire, drop to the ground and roll until the flames are smothered.
Don’t go back: Time is essential during a fire situation, and the only reason to go further into a house is to rescue a family member. Leave all valuables or other items behind and just get out. You and your family are more important than any possession could be.
Get help: If your house does suffer fire damage, don’t move anything! Let the professionals at StinkInc take a look and give you the best advice about how to move forward. It is possible that some of your items and structures might be saved, but moving them can be dangerous and cost more money in the long run.
If not addressed properly, fire damage restoration and smoke damage cleanup can be extremely destructive and costly damages to your long term property value and your comfort.
Please remember, after fire damage restoration it is natural to want to immediately clean the building and contents. Timely action can be a great help, but incorrect action can also jeopardize restoration. Don’t wipe or attempt to wash fire residues from walls, ceilings or other absorbent surfaces until you’ve had your property inspected by a fire and smoke restoration specialist.
