Neglecting to do what you’ve been meaning to could lead to a residential fire. Whether it’s the threat of a grease, electrical or lint fire, remaining cognizant of potential hazards can greatly reduce the risk of fire damage. Remember to:
1. Stay Aware While Cooking
Most residential fires begin in the kitchen. Leaving food cooking on the stove unattended could make for a disastrous outcome. Make sure you have a fire extinguisher in the kitchen and educate yourself and your family on how to — and sometimes more importantly, how NOT to — put out various types of kitchen fires.
2. Replace Damaged Electrical Cords
It’s a good idea to check electrical cords and wires regularly to make sure that they’re still in good condition. Broken or frayed cords pose a fire hazard when plugged in.
3. Clean Your Dryer's Lint Trap
It’s important to remember to clean your dryer’s lint trap after each laundry cycle. The dryer’s extreme heat can quickly set flammable lint ablaze; a lint fire turned dryer fire can rapidly evolve into a fully-engulfed house.
4. Unplug Hazardous Electronics
Some electronics, when left powered on or just plugged in, can be risky due to their tendency to overheat. Hairdryers, irons, toaster ovens and space heaters are just a few appliances that should be unplugged after each use. Cell phones can also overheat and burst into flames while charging; they should be unplugged before leaving the house or going to bed.
5. Keep Working Batteries in Smoke Detectors
When your smoke alarm is chirping it probably means the batteries are dead. It’s tempting to remove them immediately and then wait until you can get to the store for replacements. However, fire alarms are useless if they’re not working properly. Always keep the proper batteries on hand for easy replacement.
If your Jackson, MS home sustains damage from a lint fire or other disaster, restoration professionals can help. They’ll return it to its pre-loss condition as quickly as possible.