It's Fire Prevention Week! What Are Some Steps You Can Take To Avoid Fires This Fall?

10/12/2022 (Permalink)

Did you know that there's an entire week dedicated to preventing fires? Since 1922, The National Fire Protection (NFPA) has sponsored community observance of Fire Prevention Week every year in October. Not only is it the longest-running public health observance in the US, but it is also an effective way to get educated on preventing fires from happening in the first place. This life-saving practice was recognized during the second week of October to commemorate the Great Chicago Fire in 1871, which devastated the community. While we believe every week should be Fire Prevention Week, we want to take some time to compile a few handy tips on preventing fall fires in Nashville- there's no better time than now to be educated on the topic!

What Are Some Proactive Steps You Can Take To Prevent Fires This Fall?

• Create a family action plan! Remember that this should include possible escape routes when a fire starts because it's only a matter of seconds for a fire to destroy everything in its path. Your plan should consist of everyone in your Nashville home and be ready to assist more vulnerable individuals. 
• Ensure that smoke alarms are in every bedroom so that if the worst were to happen, every member of the family would be able to hear it right away. Also, double-check that there are smoke alarms at every level of your home, including the basement. You can invest in carbon monoxide and combination smoke alarms for heightened safety. 
• Practice, practice, practice! Know your home fire drill by heart so that you and your family won't be scrambling around if an actual fire happens. 

What Else Should You Know About Fire Damage This Fire Prevention Week?

• You may think that the flames are more deadly, but it's the heat from a fire that's more threatening! At eye level, room temperature can rapidly rise to 1,000 degrees Fahrenheit. 
• If fire damage happens, it's not just fire damage that's being cleaned up-; water damage from firefighting efforts is also a concern, so there's an extra layer to the restoration process in the instance of fire damage. 
• Even if the heat left behind by fire damage is uncomfortable, do NOT turn on ceiling fixtures, especially if they're still wet! The wiring may be damaged and can be dangerous. 

The aftermath of fire damage is unlike any other kind of damage left behind by a natural disaster. The soot-filled walls, ashy remains, and singed floors are disheartening to witness, and it's even more overwhelming to think about the claims process. We hope that the above tips help you prevent fires this fall, but sometimes, no matter how much you prepare, the unthinkable can happen. If you're in that situation, contact SERVPRO of Belle Meade and West Nashville at (615) 242-9391. Our fire damage specialists are equipped and ready 24/7! 

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