10 Steps to Take to Prevent a House Fire
KCHB Channel 41 reported last Monday that “Kansas City, Missouri, firefighters are working to determine what caused a fire that damaged homes near 11th Street and Ewing Avenue .” Did you know there are 10 steps to take to prevent a house fire?
“The fire caused substantial damage to two homes, one of which was occupied and the other vacant.”
“The Kansas City Fire Department told 41 Action News that firefighters believe the blaze started between the two houses.”
“The American Red Cross is assisting one person. No injuries were reported.”
“KCFD said the cause of the fire remains under investigation.”
Let Terra Firma Property Solutions, LLC remind you that many house fires can be prevented. Make sure you have working fire alarms in all bedrooms. They will save the lives of your family. There are 10 steps to prevent a house fire:
10 Steps to Take to Prevent a House Fire
The Co-operators suggest:
- Have your heating system serviced regularly by a professional, including chimneys from wood-burning fireplaces. Clean around heat sources and keep dust and other flammable items away from ignition sources.
- Remove lint from your dryer filter after every use. A clogged filter and lint trap make your dryer less efficient, reduces the airflow needed to keep heat from building up in vents, and forces lint onto the heating coils. Also, never let your dryer run when you’re out of the house or when you’re asleep.
- Keep firewood, piles of leaves, and garbage away from the home. Never dump hot ashes inside or near your home; We are talking to you smokers.keep them in a metal container well away from your house and garage.
- Avoid using outlet extenders or plug-in power bars: they can quickly overload an electrical circuit. Replace old, damaged or frayed appliance cords, and never force a three-pronged plug into a two-slot outlet or extension cord.
- Store containers of cooking oil well away from the stove. When cooking with oil, never leave the stove unattended. To stop a grease fire, turn off the burner and place a lid on the pan to suffocate the flames, or pour on lots of baking soda. Never pour water on a grease fire or try to carry the pan outside; water splatters the grease and makes the fire bigger, and the pan will be much too hot to carry.
Travelers suggests
- Avoid using an older space heater, as it may not have adequate safety features compared to newer units. When purchasing a new space heater, ensure it is UL Listed, and pay attention to the safety features.
- Do not place a space heater near furniture, curtains, or other objects that could easily catch fire.
- If you plan to install an alternative heating system, such as a wood or pellet stove, follow the manufacturer’s instructions. If you are unsure about how to properly install the system, consider hiring a professional to do the installation.
- Before installing a wood or pellet stove, check to ensure it complies with the laws of your state and municipality.
- Never burn cardboard boxes, wrapping paper, trash or trees in your fireplace—these can all spark chimney fires.
If You Still Experience a Fire After All the Preventive Measures,
- Know who to call – It is your responsibility to call your insurance agent. This is a priority. Calling your insurance starts all the paperwork to establish a claim. Call relatives. Call the Red Cross who are used to helping families like yours.
- Establish a home base – Try to get back to a normal routine as quickly as possible. You will need temporary housing, clothing, basic bathroom items, medicines, school clothes for children, etc. Be sure to document everything to be reimbursed by your insurance company. You may even need to ask for a draw on your policy for the basics.
- Get a copy of the fire report – A fire report will discuss where in the house the fire occurred, the time of the incident, the date of the incident and the incident number if it comes through a fire department.
- Secure the property – the insurance company will require this.
- Keep track of all your expenses and correspondence regarding your loss. A three-ring binder is a handy way to document the process.
- Coordinate with your insurance company the work needed to restore your home from fire, smoke, and water damage.
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We buy and sell properties throughout the greater Kansas City area. We specialize in buying distressed homes, then renovating and reselling them to home buyers and landlords. Terra Firma Property Solutions: excited to be part of the economic rejuvenation of Kansas City and its surrounding areas.
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