SERVPRO Suggests Safety First for Any Fire Damaging Event to Your Home

6/1/2018 (Permalink)

Protect Your Family and Property From Flames

How a homeowner reacts to a house fire should follow the tenet of "Safety First."  A large-scale fire, can be repaired and restored. However, knowing what to do during and after a fire can help save you money and limit the structural damages impacting your property. SERVPRO suggests that learning what steps to take in the face of a house fire may save a life.

During a Fire

1. Check Doors before Entering A Room. Before you open a door, be sure to check the door. If you see smoke coming from under the door, do not enter. You can also touch the doorknob to see if it is hot. If so, avoid this door and seek another exit. If you cannot find a door to exit the premises safely, you will need to use a window. Hopefully, you had fire drills with an evacuation plan for such an emergency.

2. Leave The Premises. Once you're aware that a fire is present, don't panic. Instead, focus on quickly removing you and your family (do a head count) from the property. Although you may want to grab some valuables, doing so is not advisable, if super-heated air or roaring flames are close. Safety first. 

3. Be Aware Of Smoke. Smoke inhalation, charged with temperatures reaching 1200 degrees F, is the leading cause of death during a house fire. Stay low to the floor as possible while exiting your home.

4. Do A Head Count. DON'T PANIC if someone is missing. If reentry is not safe, tell the 1st responders so that they can find the missing family member.