Safety Tips to Prevent a Home Fire in Minneapolis

According to research provided by the Red Cross, you may have just two minutes to escape during a property fire. As such, an early warning is critical. You’ll want working smoke alarms in common areas of the house, outside of bedrooms, and in the kitchen. An alarm can easily save your life and that of your family.

However, other prevention techniques remain crucial, too. If you can prevent the common causes of a house fire, you and your family will be at significantly reduced risk of danger. Follow these professional fire safety tips for a long, healthy life.

Fire Safety Tips

With so many house fires per year, being prepared and performing routine safety checks can help significantly reduce the risk of a house fire. Here are a few simple fire safety tips that can make all the difference in the world:

• Smoke Alarms – We previously mentioned how crucial smoke alarms are to fire safety and the protection of your home and self. Each month, test your smoke alarms and change the batteries as needed. If the alarm does not work, replace the system entirely.
• Heating Systems – Regardless of what type of heating system your home uses, a yearly inspection can greatly help reduce the risk of fire. If your heating system has an air filter, be sure to change it monthly to avoid buildup or flammable dust from gathering.
• Kitchen – Countless house fires begin in the kitchen. Many are caused by flammable objects sitting too close to the stovetop or a hot cooking surface left unattended. You should always stay close to the stove or oven while cooking. Consider keeping an oven mitt in your hand when you need to step away from the kitchen, even for a short while, so you remember to return quickly.
• Electrical Systems – It is easy to ignore wiring for our electronics and appliances. However, you’ll occasionally want to examine the wires for signs of fraying. If the wires are damaged, replace them. Furthermore, never cover electrical wires with rugs or flammable objects.
• Flammable Products – If you have any flammable products in your home, such as propane tanks or chemical cleaners, store them properly. If possible, lock them away somewhere where children or pets cannot access the products. Always keep these items a good distance from open flames, too.
• Candles – During the holiday season, candles can be quite nice. However, many house fires are started because of a lit candle being left unattended. Do not be that type of homeowner. If you have lit candles, keep them within eyesight, ensure they remain away from flammable objects, and do not let kids or pets play too close to the open flame.

A house fire is truly devastating. If you are constantly on the move, cooking in the kitchen, or enjoying an active fireplace during the winter, consider taking a few precautions today.

If your home has suffered from fire damage, call Restoration 1 of Greater Minneapolis at 612-200-2302. We provide expert fire damage restoration year-round, 24/7!

About The Author

David Tynes is the general manager of Restoration of Greater Minneapolis. David has years of experience in home and commercial restoration, and he is certified as a restoration professional by the IICRC.