Fire Safety

5/20/2019 (Permalink)

It might be easy to forget about fire risks during Chicago’s storm season, but even though the potential for water damage is higher during this time of the year, you should always take the necessary precautions to prevent fire hazards.

1. Install and test smoke detectors
   

You’ve probably heard this one, but I cannot stress how important it is that your smoke detectors are in the right places and are regularly tested. There should always be one on every floor (including the basement) and outside of each bedroom. If they’re on the wall, they should be 4 to 12 inches from the ceiling, and if they’re on the ceiling, at least 4 inches from the wall. This ensures that the fire will be detected before it becomes too large. You should also test your alarm once a month, change the batteries once a year, and replace it every ten years.

2. Purchase a small fire extinguisher
   

Small fire extinguishers can be purchased at your local hardware store. You should always have one in an easily accessible place in case of emergency. It’s important to stop fires as fast as possible, so you’ll want it in a place where you can find it quickly.

It might be easy to forget about fire risks during Chicago’s storm season, but even though the potential for water damage is higher during this time of the year, you should always take the necessary precautions to prevent fire hazards.

1. Install and test smoke detectors
   

You’ve probably heard this one, but I cannot stress how important it is that your smoke detectors are in the right places and are regularly tested. There should always be one on every floor (including the basement) and outside of each bedroom. If they’re on the wall, they should be 4 to 12 inches from the ceiling, and if they’re on the ceiling, at least 4 inches from the wall. This ensures that the fire will be detected before it becomes too large. You should also test your alarm once a month, change the batteries once a year, and replace it every ten years.

2. Purchase a small fire extinguisher
   

Small fire extinguishers can be purchased at your local hardware store. You should always have one in an easily accessible place in case of emergency. It’s important to stop fires as fast as possible, so you’ll want it in a place where you can find it quickly.

3. Regularly clean and maintain any potential fire hazards
   

It’s easy to forget that appliances and other conveniences can also be fire hazards, but you should always remember to keep an eye out for possible dangers. Keep flammable materials (towels, oven mitts, rugs) away from stoves or fireplaces. If you have a fireplace, make sure that you install a chimney cap, close the damper, and schedule a yearly inspection.

Of course, any fire, even if it’s only brief, leads to odors, soot, and other damages that SERVPRO of Northbrook/Wheeling/Glencoe can professionally restore, like it never even happened. 

If you have any emergencies or questions, call us at (847) 498-8889.