House Fire Tips for When Minutes Matter | SERVPRO of Columbia and Suwannee Counties
12/15/2024 (Permalink)
Experiencing a house fire can be a homeowner’s worst nightmare. The inherent danger alone can cause significant distress, not to mention the possibility of extensive damage.
Regrettably, numerous house fires occur each year in the United States, and the unexpected can happen to anyone. Having knowledge of how to evacuate your home swiftly is the most crucial piece of fire safety information to possess.
The Beginning Process
A house fire can be triggered by various factors, such as a forgotten candle, a kitchen incident or a grill fire that went out of control. Once a fire ignites, it can quickly spread, consuming anything in its path.
Within 30 seconds, a small flame can spread to the walls, curtains, cabinets and other combustible materials. In one minute, the room will start to fill with smoke. In two minutes, the thick smoke and flames can cause the entire space to turn pitch black, which can disorient and confuse you. In five minutes, the fire can engulf your entire house, making it extremely challenging, if not impossible, to escape.
Tips for Getting Out Safely
It is crucial for your family to have a fire escape plan in place and to regularly practice it so that everyone knows what to do in case of an emergency. If you happen to be in the same room where the fire started, exit immediately through the nearest door or window and call 911. If you need to navigate your way through your home, stay low to the ground to avoid smoke inhalation and crawl if necessary for a safe exit.
The speed at which you evacuate can make all the difference in ensuring your safety and that of your family. Fire smoke contains hazardous chemicals that can cause disorientation or drowsiness, which can be particularly dangerous if trapped inside a room or your home. Crouch down or crawl if you have to in order to stay below the smoke line as you exit. Once outside, meet up with your family at the designated location and contact 911.
The Recovery
Dealing with the aftermath of a house fire can be overwhelming since it can cause extensive damage to your home. It is crucial to choose a dependable company to help you recover and restore your home to its pre-fire condition.
At SERVPRO®, we specialize in fire damage restoration and our team is equipped to handle any extent of damage. We will efficiently remove any debris and clean the affected areas thoroughly, leaving no trace of smoke odor.
Our team will also rebuild and reconstruct the entire affected area, even if that includes tearing down and rebuilding sections of your house. Our top priority is to ensure a complete restoration for you and your family.
We are your trusted partner in fire damage restoration. Contact SERVPRO of Columbia and Suwannee Counties 24/7.