Fire Damage Prevention for Spring!

3/19/2021 (Permalink)

Spring is the perfect time to engage in spring cleaning for your Elkton home or business.  SERVPRO of Cecil County would also like to remind you that the spring season can also lead to several risks of fire damage, should preventative actions not be taken.  Below, we list many of the safety measures you should follow in addition to your annual spring cleaning.  These steps will help to eliminate the risk of fire damage in your Elkton home or facility.

• Replace the batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.  This process should be completed on an annual basis so spring is the perfect time to start fresh!  Alarms should also be tested once a month to ensure they are properly working.
• Ensure that your electrical cords are in tact.  Torn or broken cords should be replaced.
• While spring cleaning your kitchen, be sure to clean areas where cooking ingredients such as grease may have spread.  Grease on a stove can be a large fire hazard when cooking, therefore it is important to always thoroughly clean your stove and kitchen surfaces after preparing a meal.  You should also do the same with your grill, since grease that has collected from the past season can still be a fire hazard.  In addition, the propane tank and all grill features should be checked for issues.
• Dryers are a leading cause of household fires due to the buildup of lint in the dryer or dryer vent.  Dryer lint, including dirt, dust and other debris, should be removed after each load of laundry.  However, the lint can still reach the dryer vent and cause a clog or fire hazard.  It is recommended that you clean your dryer vent annually.
• Your chimney should also be inspected and cleaned.  This will confirm that the chimney is safe for the following season.
• For commercial facilities, check that your Emergency Exit signs are clearly visible so that those in the building will have a clear route of exit in an emergency.  Commercial buildings should always have an emergency plan that all employees are aware of.
• Inspect your fire extinguishers, and make sure they are in proper working condition.  For businesses, you should confirm that you have the correct amount of extinguishers for your building so that they can easily be found if needed.

SERVPRO of Cecil County understands the risks of fire damage during each season.  By following these spring safety guidelines, your Elkton home or business will more likely experience a risk-free spring!  Should you suffer any size fire, smoke or soot damage, our fire restoration professionals are prepared to help!  We are also happy to provide HVAC Duct and Dryer Vent cleaning services to help prevent or restore your property.

SERVPRO of Cecil County provides an immediate response for fire and water damage in our local Elkton community.  We offer fire restoration services for any extent of damage, including content cleaning, smoke and soot removal and full reconstruction services.  We're here to help make any disaster you may experience this spring "Like it never even happened."