How to Winterize your home, prevent and prepare for a fire

12/2/2020 (Permalink)

As the year is coming to an end, we often encounter more and more days and months with dropping temperatures. We are never fully prepared for a freeze/cold front that comes in overnight. During the winter months we often see a rise in home fires. Here at SERVPRO we are always prepared for any form of natural disaster and are ready to help you at any time of the day!

Here are some precautions we should always think about during these times;

• Make sure there is a 3ft clearance around fires, space heaters and floor furnaces from combustible and loose flammable materials
• Do NOT plug in space heaters into a power strip or an extension cord.
•  Inspect all of the device for any breakage, damage, loose connections and frayed cords.
• Keep out of high traffic areas including doorways, and areas where kids and pets play and can easily knock over
• Check all Smoke detectors to ensure they are working and safe

What are combustible materials?

Combustible materials are anything that is flammable and will burn including but not limited to; curtains, paper, clothes, furniture, chemicals, mattresses and bedding

Combustible items are made of many different materials that will ignite, burning and releasing flammable vapors which can cause the fire to spread in a quicker timed manner to the surrounding materials.

Preparing the family in case of a fire

We should always show the kids and family what to do in case of an emergency such as a fire. Teaching kids and family what a smoke detector sounds like and what to do when it is going off. If they smell something burning to report it to an adult, if they see a fire to yell FIRE!  Make sure they know the differences between noises of the smoke detector and the doorbell and any other alarm that goes off in the home.

Teach kids what to do in the next few steps and showing them an escape plan. For them not to worry about their belongings and make sure they know a safe spot, a neighbor’s house, a special location. To call 9-1-1 immediately and report the fire. Teaching kids where a fire extinguishers are in the home. Always teach kids that the smoke will rise and that if you crawl on the floor it will be clearer, if trapped in a room test to see if the door knob is too hot with the back of your hand, if trapped in a room open a window and block the smoke from coming in through cracks. If anyone were to catch on fire by clothing, hair or in any other way make sure they know the drill to stop, drop and roll. 

And always have a Go kit in your car, with non-perishable foods, some water and extra spare clothes, and medications, activities for smaller kids, a blanket, first aid, etc. Make sure there is a way for emergency patrons to see how many kids and adults are in the home, in case of unconsciousness.

Preparing your pets for a fire

Keeping all pet information up to date, and having pets microchipped in case of separation due to any form of natural disaster. Add a secondary contact that is not in your immediate area in the manner that you’re surrounding area becomes inaccessible for any reason, add secondary contact to pets’ collar and name tag. Always have an emergency pet kit with your emergency kit. This can be a part of your “go kit” including non-perishable pet food, and treats, an extra leash, pet medications if any, pet first-aid, etc. If your unable to go home immediately, have a plan for your pet due to not all places are pet-friendly. Make sure there is a sticker or sign for emergency patrons can see that there are pets in the home and if you can how many, an ideal place for this can be a window.

SERVPRO North Central is available for you 24/7

In the case of a fire, and would like some restoration and help please contact SERVPRO of North Central at our 24/7 phone line (210)899-1017 at  or visit our website at www.SERVPROnorthcentralsanantonio.com