We like to think of our homes as a safe place to retreat. However, equipment, electrical cords and other items can all increase the threat of fires. It is important to be aware that even routine activities, like doing laundry, can put our families at risk.
“Home Fires Involving Clothes Dryers and Washing Machines” noted that “In 2010, an estimated 16,800 reported U.S. non-confined or confined home structure fires involving clothes dryers or washing machines (including combination washer/dryers) resulted in 51 civilian deaths, 380 civilian injuries, and $236 million in direct property damage.” During the same year, clothes dryers and washing machines accounted for the following:
- 4.5% of all reported home structure fires
- 1.9% of associated civilian deaths
- 2.8% of associated civilian injuries
- 3.1% of associated direct property damage
Home Safety Tips From the National Fire Protection Association
Besides fires that result from clothes dryers and washing machines, many other activities can lead to a fire at home. The National Fire Protection Association offers these important suggestions to keep your loved ones safe:
- Watch your cooking.
- Stay in the kitchen when you are frying, grilling, or broiling food. If you must leave, even for a short time, turn off the stove.
- Give space heaters space.
- Keep fixed and portable space heaters at least 3 feet from anything that can burn. Turn off heaters when you leave the room or go to sleep.
- Ask smokers to smoke outside. Have sturdy, deep ashtrays for smokers.
- Keep matches and lighters up high, out of the reach of children, preferably in a cabinet with a child lock.
Here are some other recommendations to avoid a fire and be prepared if one occurs:
- Inspect electrical cords. Replace any that are cracked, damaged, broken or loose.
- Be careful when using candles. Keep them at least 1 foot from anything that can burn. Blow out candles when you leave the room or go to sleep.
- Make a home fire escape plan, and practice it at least twice a year.
- Install smoke alarms on every level of your home, inside bedrooms and outside sleeping areas. Interconnect smoke alarms throughout the home, so they all sound.
- Test smoke alarms at least once a month and replace batteries once a year or when the alarm “chirps” to tell you the battery is low. Replace any smoke alarm that is more than 10 years old.
- Install sprinklers. If you are building or remodeling your home, install residential fire sprinklers. Sprinklers can contain and may even extinguish a fire in less time than it would take the fire department to arrive.
Air Duct and Dryer Duct Cleaning
One way to reduce the hazards of dryer fires is to clean the dust and lint regularly after each use. Another key precaution is to hire a professional to clean the ducts thoroughly at least twice a year. This step could prevent harm to your family, save you thousands of dollars later in fire restoration and make your dryer more efficient—for additional savings on your energy bill.
Fire Damage Restoration in Rogers, AR
Despite all of these efforts, you may need help with fire damage restoration in Rogers, AR. Do you need immediate assistance or more information? Contact our company for 24-hour emergency services, or call to schedule an appointment now.
