Maintain Your Smoke Detectors And Keep A Fire Extinguisher On Hand
Smoke detectors are extremely important and should always be in good, working order. Not only do smoke detectors help with keeping you safe in the event of an emergency, but they can alert you of a fire in its early stages and may help you prevent the fire from spreading out of control. In order to keep your smoke detectors maintained properly, you should change the batteries in the unit annually. Dust and other particles can prevent a smoke detector from operating properly, so be sure to dust your detectors on occasion or if you visibly notice they are dirty. It is recommended that you update your smoke detectors every ten years, so be sure to replace any outdated detectors. It is also recommended that you keep a fire extinguisher in your kitchen, near your heat source, or in an easily accessible area in the event of an emergency.Update Old Electronics And Wiring
Older wiring cannot keep up with the demand that newer appliances and electronics have for power. This can cause the wires to get so hot that it could potentially cause fire and smoke damage. The same can be said for older high power appliances, that may not be able to handle the amount of power coming in, and are more likely to have a critical malfunction. If the wiring in your home is over 30 years old, it may be beneficial to reach out to a professional electrician and get the situation assessed. If you find that you have mysterious burning smells, flickering lights or excessive power outages, or shocks and sparking from your electrical outlets, these could be signs that your wiring may be ready for an update.Never Leave A Fire Unattended
This may seem like a no-brainer, but sometimes in our busy days we can walk away from a candle, heat source, or food on the stove that can cause a potential threat.
Practice Safe Kitchen Etiquette
The most common area for us to be working with heat and fires is in the kitchen. Here are some tips you should keep in mind in order to be working safely and preventing fire damage:- Never leave cooking food unattended
- Old grease is highly flammable so be sure to clean your stove burners between uses
- Always be careful when frying food
- Only use microwave safe containers in your microwave
- Try to avoid burning food and cooking at high temperatures. Using a kitchen timer or instant read thermometer can be very helpful
- Be aware of the sleeves on your clothing, dish rags, and other fabrics as they are highly flammable
Clean Your Appliance Filters
Too much dust in your HVAC air filter or dryer lint build up can be enough to cause a house fire. Keeping these cleaned and maintained will also help your appliances to function properly and more efficiently. Dealing with a house fire is a devastating occurrence that we hope you never have to experience. If you are dealing with fire damage, know that you don’t have to go through it alone. Call our team of fire and smoke damage restoration experts at Vortex Restoration right away to begin your restoration journey.Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I test my smoke detectors?
Test every smoke alarm once a month by pressing the test button, and replace the whole unit every ten years, per NFPA guidance. If your alarms use replaceable batteries, swap them at least once a year or as soon as one chirps. Put one in every bedroom, outside each sleeping area, and on every level of the home. Interconnected alarms are even better.
What kind of fire extinguisher should I keep in my kitchen?
A multipurpose ABC extinguisher works for most home kitchens and covers paper, grease and electrical fires. Mount it near an exit, not right next to the stove, so you can grab it without reaching over flames. Check the pressure gauge regularly and learn the PASS method: pull, aim, squeeze, sweep. If the fire is spreading, get out and call 911 instead.
How do you put out a grease fire on the stove?
Turn off the burner and slide a lid or baking sheet over the pan to cut off the oxygen. Leave it covered until it cools completely. Small grease fires can also be smothered with baking soda. Never throw water on a grease fire, because it makes the burning oil splatter and spread. If the fire gets bigger, get everyone out and call 911.
What are the warning signs of bad electrical wiring in a house?
Watch for outlets or switch plates that feel warm, frequent tripped breakers, flickering or dimming lights, buzzing sounds, scorch marks, and a burning plastic smell with no obvious source. Many older homes in Ventura County and Santa Barbara County still have original wiring that was not built for today's appliances. If you notice any of these signs, have a licensed electrician inspect the system.
How often should I clean my dryer vent to prevent a fire?
Clean the lint trap after every load, and have the full dryer vent line cleaned at least once a year. Lint is highly flammable and builds up inside the duct where you cannot see it. Signs of a clogged vent include clothes taking longer to dry, a hot dryer exterior, and a burning smell. Replace plastic or foil accordion ducts with rigid metal ducting.
Are space heaters safe to use overnight?
It is best not to. Space heaters are a leading cause of home heating fires, often because they sit too close to bedding, curtains or furniture. If you use one, keep it at least three feet from anything that can burn, plug it straight into a wall outlet, and pick a model with tip over and overheat shutoff. Turn it off when you leave or go to sleep.
How can I protect my home from wildfire in Ventura County?
Create defensible space by clearing dead plants, dry leaves and brush near the house, and keep the area closest to the walls free of anything that burns. Clean gutters and roofs of debris, cover vents with fine metal mesh, and move firewood away from the home. Ventura and Santa Barbara Counties face wildfire seasons most years, so check local fire department guidelines for your property.
Is it safe to use extension cords and power strips for appliances?
Not for big appliances. Space heaters, microwaves, refrigerators and window AC units should plug directly into a wall outlet. Extension cords are meant for temporary use, and running them under rugs or furniture can cause overheating. Never plug one power strip into another. If you rely on cords every day, add outlets with the help of a licensed electrician.
Should my family have a home fire escape plan?
Yes. Map two ways out of every room, pick a meeting spot outside, and practice the plan at least twice a year, including at night. Make sure windows open easily and kids know how to get out on their own. A working smoke alarm only helps if everyone knows exactly where to go when it sounds. Teach everyone to get out first and call 911 from outside.
What should I do if a small fire still damaged my home?
Even a small fire can leave soot, smoke odor and water from extinguishing it behind, and those spread further than most people expect. Call your insurer, take photos, and do not run the HVAC until it is checked. Our fire and smoke damage restoration team can assess the damage and clean it properly. Free estimates are available, and our crews respond 24/7.
