Though the U.S. Fire Administration reports a decrease in fires and fire-related deaths since 2006, there were still over 1.3 million fires reported in 2015 and 3,280 reported fire-related deaths, and The National Fire Protection Association reports that U.S. fire departments respond to 358,500 home structure fires every year on average. These are hard statistics to hear knowing how preventable fires can be.
The Worcester, Ma fire department works hard to help our community when fire emergencies arise and taking preventable measures can help them even more. But, if a fire damage disaster happens, you can rest easy knowing that there are trusted professionals who are experienced and trained in successful fire damage restoration that can arrive on the scene to immediately begin the process of cleaning up and restoring your home. MA Restoration is one of those companies in the Worcester area.
Here are some prevention measures you can take to keep a fire damage emergency from happening to you and your family:
Install smoke alarms. One smoke alarm is not enough. Install the proper number of smoke alarms based on how large the home is and how many rooms it has. If you are not sure of how many to install, follow the National Fire Alarm Code (NFPA 72) which requires “hard-wired, interconnected smoke alarms with battery back-up on every level of the home, outside each sleeping area, and inside each bedroom. Alarms must be wired together so that if one sounds, they all sound.”
Develop exit plans. Don’t assume that everyone in your home knows which exits to take if a fire happens. Make sure every person has two exit strategies and that there is a common meeting spot outside where every member of the home can check-in once they are safely outside.
Teach your children. Fires are scary for adults and even more scary for kids. Kids who don’t know what to expect or what to do when a fire happens may get too scared to move or even scream for help. Teach your kids about house fires, how they happen, and what happens when a fire breaks out. Teach them what they can do to protect themselves, who to call for, and what to do if they don’t have an adult present. Being prepared and knowing what to expect can save anyone’s life, especially a child that is scared and does not know what to do to help themselves. Don’t forget to teach the importance of “Stop! Drop! Roll!”
Calling 911. Make sure each member of the house knows that when a fire breaks out – it is an emergency and time to call 9-1-1! Again, children may get confused about what to do and who to contact, so talk with your children and prepare them. Doing mock fire emergency routines twice a year will help kids get into the habit of how to respond in an emergency situation and could save someone’s life.
After fire responders are finished putting out the fire, be sure to contact a certified and insured professional. Fire damage restoration companies work around the clock to be there for you in your time of need. A trusted professional restoration company like MA Restoration will help you clean up and recover from a fire damage disaster as quickly and as safely as possible.
Though the U.S. Fire Administration reports a decrease in fires and fire-related deaths since 2006, there were still over 1.3 million fires reported in 2015 and 3,280 reported fire-related deaths, and The National Fire Protection Association reports that U.S. fire departments respond to 358,500 home structure fires every year on average. These are hard statistics to hear knowing how preventable fires can be.