Check The Date of Your Smoke Alarm

6/29/2020 (Permalink)

Having an emergency plan and practicing it can help save your life and your family’s life.

Having an emergency plan and practicing it can help save your life and your family’s life.

The Chicago Fire, also known as the Great Chicago Fire, engulfed the city in flames for two days. When finally controlled, the fire had destroyed more than 17,000 structures and claimed an estimated 250 lives. In remembrance of the Great Chicago Fire and in hopes of saving lives, the National Fire Prevention Association (NFPA) holds a National Fire Prevention Week. The 2016 Fire Prevention Week theme, running from October 9-15th, is “Don’t wait --check the date!” reminding everyone to replace household smoke alarms every 10 years.

Because of this event, and as Houston’s leading fire damage restoration company, we’ve gathered home fire facts and tips to help keep you and your family safe.

Smoke Alarms

• In 2014, U.S. fire departments responded to 367,500 house fires that resulted in nearly 3,000 deaths. 

• Between 2009-2013, 3 out of 5 home fire deaths occurred in homes without smoke alarms or with non-working smoke alarms.

• Smoke alarm failure is frequently caused missing batteries, batteries, expired batteries, or from the smoke alarm being disconnected from the power source.

• Smoke alarms cut the risk of dying in a house fire by half,

Emergency Exit Plan

• Fire can spread quickly. Often you will have as little as 2 minutes from the moment the smoke alarm sounds to get out of the house to safety.

• Having an emergency plan and practicing it can help save your life and your family’s life. Unfortunately, nearly have of those who have a plan practice it.

• For help in developing an escape plan and ways to help children prepare for an emergency, visit the NFPA website.

Fire Prevention

• Two out of every five house fires start in the kitchen. Frying is the activity most often associated with kitchen fires. 

• A fire extinguisher can save lives and your home by putting out small fires before they grow out of control, though it is important to remember that they have limitations. The main priority is always your safety and that of your family.

• Familiarize yourself with the operation of the fire extinguisher and place one in several areas of your home. The suggested locations for keeping a fire extinguisher includes the kitchen, your bedroom, the basement, attic, and by the outdoor grill.

• Space heaters are also a major contributor to house fires and it the second cause of fire deaths in recent years. To help prevent fire, do not use an extension cord with your space heater and be sure to keep it clear of fabrics and other items that are flammable. 

The NFPA and  SERVPRO remind you to replace your smoke detectors every ten years. Most house fires happen at night making it all the most critical to have smoke alarms in working order. If you hear the alarm sound at night, implement the family escape plan immediately. Your life and the lives of your loved ones can never be replaced. A home damaged by fire, however, can be restored. 

To learn more about SERVPRO’s fire damage restoration services, call Kimberly at (281) 520-8197.