Fire Damage in Cleveland

firedamageWinter is starting to fade away. As warmer weather approaches and the snow starts melting, people begin preparing for the months ahead. Spring is the perfect time to open the windows and air everything out. Warmer weather also tends to be the time that we do our spring cleaning.  A very important part of your spring cleaning is making sure that your home is fire safe. Fires can occur any time of the year and it is important to make sure to take steps to reduce the risk of a fire, and to make sure you are prepared in the event a fire does occur.

Clean House

Reducing clutter can reduce your risk of a fire by reducing fuel for a fire. Make sure your garage is cleaned out and organized, paying special attention to potential fire hazards. Take some time and rid of all of the old newspapers or other garbage that can fuel a fire. Properly dispose of oily or greasy rags. These are major fire hazards. Be sure that if you are keeping them, they are in labeled and sealed metal containers. If you keep gasoline in containers, make sure it is kept outside your home in a shed or detached garage. It is recommended that you only keep small quantities in tightly sealed containers.

Check Your Smoke Alarms

Spring cleaning is the perfect time to test your smoke alarms, replace the batteries, and remove any dust that might be hanging around. Dust buildup can actually cause your smoke alarms to go off – so keeping them clean is the best way to avoid a false alarm. If your smoke alarms are more than 10 years old, consider replacing them.

Cut the Cord

Check appliances and extension cords for signs of wear and replace any that are worn or damaged. If you are using extension cords or power strips in your make, make sure they are not overloaded. Avoid using extension cords for large appliances. Even air conditioners can cause an extension cord to overheat.

Clean Up Outside

Springtime is a great time to get your yard looking great, and it can also reduce your fire risk. Clean up all debris and dead vegetation and keep a clear fire zone of 10 feet around your house. Make sure all dead tree limbs are trimmed back.

Maintain Your Grill

Summer barbecues are a great time, but outdoor barbecue grills can increase your risk of fire damage. Be sure you use them with caution. Keep it an adequate distance away from buildings, windows, heating, ventilation and air conditioning units or places with high/dead vegetation. Only use barbecue grills outside. If you use a propane barbecue grill, check the hoses for leaks and cracks, and never store propane indoors.

Practice Fire Safety

Reducing your fire risk is only half the battle – you should also make sure your family knows what to do in the event a fire does occur. Practice fire drills with your family or other individuals living in your Cleveland home. Everyone in your household should know what to do or where to go when a fire breaks out.

Fire Damage Cleanup in Cleveland

Despite all the prevention in the world, fires can and do still happen. It’s in your best interest to have a plan and know who to contact after a fire so you can mitigate your damages and restore your property quickly. The sooner you contact a fire damage company to cleanup and restore your property, the lower your losses and the sooner you can get back into your home. Contact WET today to learn more about our services and how we can help in the event of a fire or other emergency.

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