Home Fire Statistics from SERVPRO of Bellaire

6/22/2021 (Permalink)

House fires affect more than 374,000 homes each year and smoking is the leading cause of fire related death. House fires are devastating and they cause more than 7 billion dollars in damage in the United States each year. 

It is important to know ways that you can reduce your family's risk of experiencing a house fire. Below is a list of a few things you can do: 

• Do NOT smoke in bed or anywhere in your home for that matter. People lay down while smoking a cigarette and fall asleep causing more fire related deaths than any other cause worldwide. 
• Unplug appliances that are not in use. Certain appliances have auto on features that keep them on all the time so you can turn them on right away. These appliances can catch fire when left plugged in. 
• Keep clothing and debris off power strips. Make sure your children do not leave clothes on power strips as the clothing can catch on fire. 
• Unplug irons and flatirons for straightening your hair. When you leave the bathroom unplug your flat iron. Do not walk away to do something else before unplugging it, because you could forget. 
• Iron and use your flatiron on a flat surface. Do not leave irons or flatirons on soft surfaces that may catch on fire. 
• Keep portable heaters away from all cloth and clothing. Make sure they are on a flat stable surface and cannot tip or be knocked over by children. Heating elements are the second leading cause of house fires. 
• Do not walk away from food while cooking even for a brief period of time. Make sure that you turn pot handles so that children cannot grab them dumping scalding contents which can burn them or start a fire. 
• Use baking soda to extinguish grease fires as water will make them spread. 
• Keep batteries in your smoke detectors and test them frequently. 
• Make a fire escape plan with your family, especially if children are on a different floor. 
• Call 9-1-1 if your home catches on fire!!!

Knowing these tips will help keep you and your family safe. If you do experience a house fire call SERVPRO of Bellaire at 713-266-9294. We are fire restoration specialists.