Recent Fire Damage Posts

Fire damage tips

6/30/2023 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Novi/Commerce South and Bloomfield knows how stressful the fire restoration process can be.  You should never try to remediate your property on your own after a fire.  We have the experience needed to make your home safe again.  We have listed the basic fire restoration repair process below so you know what to expect.

  • Confirm the property is stabilized and safe to enter

The first step of a remediation professional is to confirm that the property is safe to enter. They’ll check for signs of structural damage that compromises the home and carefully inspect the property from the outside before opening the door.

  • Minimize damage

Smoke and soot can cause damage even after the fire has been extinguished. You and the professionals working in your home should be cautious of soot staining, mold and mildew, rust and corrosion and the air quality in the home.  

  • Remove soot and debris

Before any water damage or fire damage restoration processes can begin, all debris and soot must be removed from the home. The soot can cause more damage the longer it remains on a surface, while the debris is only going to get in the way the restoration process.

  • Remove personal possessions too damaged to restore
  • Eliminate excess water and dry wet surfaces
  • Begin deodorizing, deep cleaning and removing stains

Safety first on 4th of July!

6/30/2023 (Permalink)

Independence Day is upon us and SERVPRO of Novi/Commerce South and Bloomfield wants you to have a safe and happy holiday!  We have listed some fireworks safety tips below to keep you and your loved one's safe this 4th of July holiday!

  • Never allow children to play with or ignite fireworks
  • Make sure fireworks are legal in your area before buying or using them
  • Keep a bucket of water or a garden hose handy in case of emergency
  • Light fireworks one at a time, then move back quickly
  • Never try to re-light or pick up fireworks that have not ignited fully
  • Never use fireworks while impaired by alcohol or drugs
  • Remember to only use fireworks outside and away from wood and other flammable materials
  • Soak fireworks in water before throwing in trash

Fireworks safety

6/27/2022 (Permalink)

Independence Day is upon us and SERVPRO of Novi/Commerce South and Bloomfield wants you to have a safe and happy holiday!  We have listed some fireworks safety tips below to keep you and your loved one's safe this 4th of July holiday!

  • Never allow children to play with or ignite fireworks
  • Make sure fireworks are legal in your area before buying or using them
  • Keep a bucket of water or a garden hose handy in case of emergency
  • Light fireworks one at a time, then move back quickly
  • Never try to re-light or pick up fireworks that have not ignited fully
  • Never use fireworks while impaired by alcohol or drugs
  • Remember to only use fireworks outside and away from wood and other flammable materials
  • Soak fireworks in water before throwing in trash

Fire odor concerns

6/27/2022 (Permalink)

There are a few different things to pay attention to after you have had a fire loss in your home. Some of the more important items to inspect for odor are your furnace, textiles/soft goods and carpeting. The furnace inside your home has a filter and forces air throughout your entire house. Carpet is one of the biggest filters in your home and will hold an odor. Any textiles, soft goods or clothing will also hold an odor. SERVPRO of Novi/Commerce South and Bloomfield recommend the following after experiencing a fire in your home.

  • Change the filter to your furnace
  • Perform a duct cleaning after cleaning
  • Clean or replace any carpet that came in contact with soot/smoke
  • Launder/clean clothing, textiles or linens
  • Clean all surfaces, especially horizontal surfaces. 

Please contact us if you are in need of any additional information at 248-344-0044, we are here to help!

Responding to fire damage

5/31/2022 (Permalink)

House fires are very scary and can make you feel like you've lost control, however there are several actions you can take when responding to a fire's destruction.

  • Stay safe- Stay out of your home and keep you and your family safe 
  • Call your family- Lean on your support system so they can help you through the process 
  • Call your insurance company- Find out what your insurance company needs from you to begin the claim process and confirm your coverage details.  Start taking inventory of property or belongings that have been damaged and destroyed.  Take photos if it is safe to do so
  • Call a fire and damage restoration company- SERVPRO of Novi/Commerce South and Bloomfield can help 365 days a year, 24 hours a day, call us at 248-344-0044
  • Arrange Accommodations- Make arrangements for pets if needed
  • Take care of your health- A fire can take a toll on your mental and physical health

After a fire, it is important to take the time to look after yourself and your family.

Fire damage restoration process

5/31/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Novi/Commerce South and Bloomfield can help with your restoration process by assessing the fire damage and restoring your possessions that were damaged by smoke and fire.  Fire damage restoration includes several steps:

  • Determine if your home is safe- We will perform a fire damage assessment and check for structural damage and other hazards before entering your home
  • Minimize smoke and soot damage- Smoke damage can worsen as the smoke from a fire settles, while lingering soot can cause stains.  Specialized cleaning equipment and products will be used for the removal of smoke and odors and to prevent further damage caused by soot along with air scrubbers and air movers.
  • Remove soot and other debris- Vacuums and brooms are used to remove soot and other debris from your home, furniture, upholstery, and other surfaces.
  • Relocate personal belongings- Any personal belongings that can be salvaged will be moved to safe locations where they can be stored
  • Remove water from firefighting- Restoration companies will then use dehumidifiers and air movers and other specialized equipment for water removal
  • Deep clean your home

If you have experienced fire damage, call the professionals at SERVPRO of Novi/Commerce South and Bloomfield, we are here to help!

3 key tips to prevent fire damage

5/27/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Novi/Commerce South and Bloomfield knows fire damage to your home or business can be costly and cause emotional pain.  We want to give you a few tips to protect your business, family, employees and yourself.  

  • Test your smoke alarms- Functional smoke alarms are your best defense when it comes to minimizing fire damage and have been proven to save lives.  It is important to note that batteries wear out over time and you should replace smoke alarm batteries once or twice a year and replace the entire smoke alarm every 10 years.  You should also make sure to have smoke alarms in every bedroom, outside each sleeping area, and on every level of home or business.  Avoid installing alarm near windows, doors, fans, or vents as air flow can disrupt the alarm function.
  • Keep fire extinguishers on hand- Stock fire extinguishers in multiple places throughout home or business, focusing on areas like that kitchen that pose a higher risk of fire.  Be sure to review fire extinguisher instructions and make sure everyone in your home or business knows how to use them
  • Be careful in the kitchen- Do not leave hot cooking surfaces unattended.  Be sure to clear the store of anything that can catch fire such as cookbooks, towels, and napkins.  Also, keep the handles of your pots and pans turned inward to help avoid knocking into them and spilling their hot contents.

House fire prevention

5/27/2022 (Permalink)

Fires can pose serious danger but you can take measures to reduce its risks.  SERVPRO of Novi/Commerce South and Bloomfield wants to share helpful tips to prevent house fires.

  • Clean your stove and oven- Food particles can accumulate at the bottom of burner or oven which can catch on fire if appliances are not kept clean
  • Pay attention when cooking- If you leave the room, the stove should always be turned off and pots taken off hot burners
  • Test smoke alarms regularly- Check batteries every 6 months
  • Ensure all heating sources are working properly- Change air filters regularly
  • Always check your dryer's airflow- It is important to keep vents clean
  • Be careful with cords- Be sure to make sure there are not too many appliances plugged into an outlet which can cause overload and replace any damaged wires
  • Store flammable products safely- Common hair products, cosmetics, and household cleaners can all be classified as flammable products
  • Practice caution with candles- Always put out candles when leaving the room, blow them out before falling asleep and keep them far from objects that can catch fire like blankets and curtains
  • Invest in a fire extinguisher

How to prevent house fires

5/3/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Novi/Commerce South knows that your home is a place where you make memories and build your life.  It's scary to imagine your home ever suffering from a disaster such as a fire.  Although you can't control everything, there are some steps you can take to help reduce the risk of fire and smoke damage.  Please read the below ways to reduce your risk of house fire. 

  • Test your smoke alarms regularly

The easiest way to avoid a house fire is by checking your smoke alarms regularly.  There is a little button that you can press to test it.  If it beeps weakly, then you need to change the batteries.

  • Inspect all your heating sources

You should have them checked out annually by a professional

  • Keep your stove and oven clean
  • Don't leave food cooking unattended
  • Always check your dryer
  • Maintain all cords
  • Properly store flammable products
  • Practice caution with candles
  • Keep fire extinguishers around

Fire damage process

5/3/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Novi/Commerce South knows how stressful the fire restoration process can be.  You should never try to remediate your property on your own after a fire.  SERVPRO of Novi/Commerce South has the experience needed to make your home safe again.  We have listed the basic fire restoration repair process below so you know what to expect.

  • Confirm the property is stabilized and safe to enter

The first step of a remediation professional is to confirm that the property is safe to enter. They’ll check for signs of structural damage that compromises the home and carefully inspect the property from the outside before opening the door.

  • Minimize damage

Smoke and soot can cause damage even after the fire has been extinguished. You and the professionals working in your home should be cautious of soot staining, mold and mildew, rust and corrosion and the air quality in the home.  

  • Remove soot and debris

Before any water damage or fire damage restoration processes can begin, all debris and soot must be removed from the home. The soot can cause more damage the longer it remains on a surface, while the debris is only going to get in the way the restoration process.

  • Remove personal possessions too damaged to restore
  • Eliminate excess water and dry wet surfaces
  • Begin deodorizing, deep cleaning and removing stains

What does fire damage mean

4/29/2021 (Permalink)

What does fire damage mean?

Fire damage refers to the physical damage to a property as a result of burning. This damage may either be directly caused by the flames or could occur due to smoke and other corrosive substances emitted by the fire.

In terms of insurance, fire damage is one of the types of coverage offered in property insurance.

The six types of fire damage are as follows:

  • Class A: fire that involves flammable solids, such as paper, cloth, wood, and plastics.
  • Class B: fire that involves flammable liquids or solids that can turn into liquids.
  • Class C: fire that involves flammable gasses, such as propane, hydrogen, natural gas, and butane.
  • Class D: fire that involves combustible metals, including sodium, magnesium, and potassium.
  • Class E: fire that involves factors in Class A and B as well as electrical elements.
  • Class F: relatively hotter and more destructive fire that involves cooking oils and fats.

Furthermore, many insurance companies divide fire damage into two categories: primary and secondary. The former refers to damage caused by the flames, while the latter refers to damage caused by smoke or other substances from the fire.

If you have fire damage, call SERVPRO of Novi/Commerce South at 248-344-0044, we are here to help!

Protection from fire damage

4/29/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Novi/Commerce South knows how stressful and emotional fire damage can be, we want to help protect you and your family.  The best advice we can give is building fire-resistant features in your home to protect against future damage. 

  • Install hard-wired, interconnected smoke alarms with battery back-up on every level of the home, outside each sleeping area, and inside each bedroom. Wire alarms together so that if one sounds, they all sound.
  • Select building materials, furnishings, and plants that resist fire.

Some helpful cleaning tips when cleaning up and removing smoke odor from fire damaged items.  

  • Consult a professional about replacing drywall and insulation that has been soaked by water from fire hoses. It can not be dried out and maintain structural integrity or resistance to mold and mildew.
  • Pots, pans, flatware, etc., should be washed with soapy water, rinsed and then polished.
  • Stuff purses and shoes with newspapers to retain shape. Leave suitcases open
  • Wear protective clothing, including work gloves and heavy soled shoes.

Fire damage cleaning tips

4/29/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Novi/Commerce South has provided some helpful tips below in cleaning up and removing smoke odor from fire damaged items.

  • Products containing tri-sodium phosphate (TSP) can reduce odors in fabrics. TSP is caustic so be careful! Read the label for directions and safety instructions.
  • Test garments before using any treatment, and follow the manufacturer's instructions. Smoke odor and soot can sometimes be washed from clothing that can be bleached. Measure 4 to 6 tbsp. Tri-Sodium Phosphate and 1 cup household cleaner or chlorine bleach for every gallon of warm water you will use. Alternatively, consider washing clothes in cold water with your usual household laundry detergent, and adding one tablespoon of pure vanilla extract.
  • To remove soot and smoke from walls, furniture and floors, use a mild soap or detergent or mix together 4 to 6 tbsp. tri-sodium phosphate and 1 cup household cleaner or chlorine bleach to every gallon of warm water. Wear rubber gloves. Be sure to rinse surfaces with clear warm water and dry thoroughly.
  • Wash walls one small area at a time, working from the floor up to prevent streaking. Rinse with clear water immediately. Ceilings should be washed last. Do not repaint until walls and ceilings are completely dry. Reduce the chances of growth of mold and mildew by wiping down all surfaces that had gotten wet with a solution of one cup of liquid household bleach to a gallon of water. (Test surfaces to ensure that the bleach solution will not discolor these surfaces. To conduct this test, wipe a small area of the surface with the bleach solution, and allow it to dry at least 24 hours.)
  • Washable wallpaper can be cleansed like painted walls, but do not wet through the paper. Use a commercial paste to repaste any loose edges or sections.

Smoke damage

4/29/2021 (Permalink)

When a fire affects your home or business, the damage is more than what’s directly charred by the flames: lingering smoke can cause a slew of problems even weeks after the fact.

There are four common types of smoke damage (dry smoke, protein residue, fuel/oil residue, and wet smoke) that are each caused by different circumstances like the fire’s temperature, fueling materials, and location. The restoration process varies slightly for each.

How does SERVPRO of Novi/Commerce South restore smoke damage to your home or business?


There are three main ways to deal with smoke damage after a fire: cleaning, resurfacing, and replacing. When possible, we restore your space by removing the smoke residue from all existing items, avoiding the high costs of replacing them. This is often the case with smaller blazes that leave behind minimal damage.

When the smoke residue is worse or has been given time to permeate your space, we will attempt to resurface existing items to return them to their pre-fire state. This involves re-painting, re-carpeting, re-upholstering, and so on.

In extreme cases, we will need to replace all items damaged by the fire and smoke. This is the last choice solution because of its high cost, but it’s necessary when the damage is immense. The sooner you contact us after experiencing a fire, the less likely a full replacement will be needed.

More fire safety tips!

12/30/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Novi/Commerce South cannot stress the importance of fire safety and planning, we want to reiterate fire safety tips to keep you and your family safe!

Did you know that if a fire starts in your home, you may have just two minutes to escape? 

The most effective way to protect yourself and your home from fire is to identify and remove fire hazards. 60 percent of house fire deaths occur in homes with no working smoke alarms. During a home fire, working smoke alarms and a fire escape plan that has been practiced regularly can save lives.

Fire Safety Tips 

  • Talk with all household members about a fire escape plan and practice the plan twice a year.
  • Test smoke alarms once a month, if they’re not working, change the batteries.
  • If a fire occurs in your home, GET OUT, STAY OUT and CALL for help.
  • Install smoke alarms on every level of your home, inside bedrooms and outside sleeping areas.
  • Prepare

Preparing and Preventing a Home Fire - Steps You Can Take Now  

  • Keep items that can catch on fire at least three feet away from anything that gets hot, such as space heaters.
  • Never smoke in bed.
  • Talk to your children regularly about the dangers of fire, matches and lighters and keep them out of reach.
  • Download the Monster Guard: Prepare for Emergencies mobile game to teach kids about fire safety and other disasters.
  • Turn portable heaters off when you leave the room or go to sleep.  

Smoke Alarms

  • Install smoke alarms on every level of your home, inside bedrooms and outside sleeping areas.
  • Teach your children what smoke alarms sound like and what to do when they hear one.
  • Test smoke alarms once a month, if they’re not working, change the batteries.
  • Smoke alarms should be replaced every 10 years. Never disable smoke or carbon monoxide alarms.
  • Carbon monoxide alarms are not substitutes for smoke alarms. Know the difference between the sound of smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms.

Tips provided by American Red Cross

Have you been to your local fire deparment?

12/30/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Novi/Commerce South encourages you and your family to visit your local fire department if you haven't already done so!  Your local fire department can provide fire safety tips and brochures that can be helpful and get your family involved in your fire safety planning!  It is also important to learn your community's recreational fire burn rules and permit regulations.  In some communities it is legal to burn a small recreational fire without a permit under the following conditions:

  • Burning of fire wood only
  • Size of fire can be no greater then 3 feet in diameter and 2 feet high
  • Fire can at no time create a fire hazard
  • No flammable liquids can be used
  • Fires must always be attended with means of extinguishing readily available
  • Rubbish and yard waste is illegal to burn 

Check in with your local fire department today!

Christmas fire tips

12/26/2019 (Permalink)

The threat of fire can be hazardous during the holidays and SERVPRO of Novi/Commerce South wants to make sure you and your loved ones are safe.  One of the biggest fire threats that start more then 200 home fires each year is of course the Christmas tree!  Please make sure you keep tree adequately watered and be sure to unplug all tree lights each time you leave home.  A handy tip- give a gentle tug on a branch and if it yields a handful of needles then the tree is very thirsty!  Another holiday risk is overloading your home’s electrical system which can pose a big fire risk.  Be sure to check plugs, cords and wall sockets for signs of damage or excess wear and do not use cords if evidence of damage or sign of smoke-stained outlet.  Also, please be sure to never use indoor-only holiday lights, extension cords or plugs outside in the elements.  Lastly, don’t forget a few important tips if leaving town for the holiday.  Be sure to never ever leave your home without setting the heat at a proper temperature (Especially here in Michigan!).  We also strongly suggest considering turning off your water at the main shut off valve and drain all lines to prevent leaks and keep pipes from freezing if travelling for any extended time.  The best advice would be asking a friend or relative to drop in your home to inspect for any damages while you are away which can give you piece of mind and help you enjoy the holiday without the stress!  Happy Holidays to you and your family from the SERVPRO of Novi/Commerce South!

Emergency fire plan

12/26/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Novi/Commerce South wants to inform you and your loved ones to home fire prevention and safety and learn how to protect your home and family from fire and also what to do in case of a home fire.

The number one prevention rule is to test your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide once a month and replace the batteries at least once a year, optimally twice a year.  Remember they can’t help you if they don’t work!  Smoke detectors belong on every level of home, including attics and basements.  The safest plan for your family is having a smoke detector in each bedroom and sleeping area as well as in the hallways immediately outside of sleeping areas.  It is also important to check fire extinguishers monthly and replace as directed, and to teach yourself and your family how to operate a fire extinguisher and where they are located in your home.  We also encourage your family to create a fire safety and escape plan that outlines multiple escape routes from every room in the home.  Your family should practice the escape plan to ensure everyone knows how to get out of the house in the event of a fire and the escape plan should also include a designated meeting place outside the home.

You and your loved one’s safety is the most important part of any emergency but especially in a fire as seconds can be crucial.  The first thing to do is yell “fire” several times to get the attention of anyone in the home and then to get out as quickly as possible.  Family members should not stop to collect personal items and wait until they have reached safety to call 911.  If doors are closed, touching the door and doorknob to see if they are hot will let people know if it’s safe to open the doors.  To escape from a smoky room, people should crawl as low as possible, since smoke rises.  Once outside, you and your family members should never go back inside.  Please call SERVPRO of Novi/Commerce South at 248-344-0044 if you have any questions or need assistance, we are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. 

Is your home covered with soot?

12/28/2018 (Permalink)

In addition to fire, smoke, and soot damage, your home may also suffer from water damage as a result of the firefighting efforts. This type of damage can be especially upsetting and destructive for your family to process. You may feel stressed, confused, and vulnerable, so you’ll need a caring expert to guide you through this crisis. We’ll treat you with respect and empathy, and we’ll always treat your home and belongings with care.

SERVPRO of Novi specializes in fire and water damage restoration. We have the specific damage restoration training, personnel, and equipment. SERVPRO of Novi can quickly restore your home to pre-fire condition.

Whatever your fire restoration needs are, SERVPRO of Novi is here to help at 248-344-0044

Fire Prevention Tips

12/28/2018 (Permalink)

  • Prevention Tips 9 Keep all potential sources of fuel like paper, clothing, bedding or rugs at least three feet away from space heaters, stoves, or fireplaces.
  • Portable heaters and fireplaces should never be left unattended. Turn off space heaters and make sure any embers in the fireplace are extinguished before going to bed or leaving home.
  • If you must use a space heater, place it on a level, hard and nonflammable surface (such as ceramic tile floor), not on rugs or carpets or near bedding or drapes. Keep children and pets away from space heaters. 
  • When buying a space heater, look for models that shut off automatically if the heater falls over as another safety measure.
  • Never use a cooking range or oven to heat your home.
  • Keep the fire in your fireplace by using a glass or metal fire screen large enough to catch sparks and rolling logs.
  • Have wood and coal stoves, fireplaces, chimneys, and furnaces professionally inspected and cleaned once a year.

Residential and Commercial Restoration and Cleaning Services

Call Us Today at 248-344-0044

As a trusted leader in the restoration industry, SERVPRO of Novi has highly trained technicians that are dedicated to responding faster to any size disaster. We provide 24-hour emergency service and have the training and expertise to handle your restoration and cleaning needs.

  • 24-Hour Emergency Service
  • Faster to Any Size Disaster
  • Highly Trained Restoration Technicians
  • A Trusted Leader in the Restoration Industry
  • Locally Owned and Operated
  • Advanced Restoration and Cleaning Equipment

Electrical Safety durning the Holidays

11/29/2018 (Permalink)

As the holiday season is upon us, it is important to remember a few tips to maintain electrical safety during the most wonderful time of the year. Below are a few tips to keep in mind. 

1. Inspect all of your holiday lights. To prevent accidental fires, throw out any strands of lights that have frayed cords. Also, replace any broken or cracked bulbs. 

2. Use only UL - Listed lights and extension cords. 

3. Do not overload electrical sockets, extension cords or power strips. 

4. It is never a good idea to plug an extension cord into a power strip. 

5. When hanging electrical decorations and lights, it is best to use a wooden or fiberglass ladder rather than a metal one for your own safety. 

6. Always turn off holiday lights before leaving the house or going to bed. 

Smoke and Soot Cleanup

11/29/2018 (Permalink)

Smoke and soot is very invasive and can penetrate various cavities within your home, causing hidden damage and odor. Our smoke damage expertise and experience allows us to inspect and accurately assess the extent of the damage to develop a comprehensive plan of action.  

Smoke and soot facts:

  • Hot smoke migrates to cooler areas and upper levels of a structure.
  • Smoke flows around plumbing systems, seeping through the holes used by pipes to go from floor to floor.
  • The type of smoke may greatly affect the restoration process.

Different Types of Smoke

There are two different types of smoke–wet and dry. As a result, there are different types of soot residue after a fire. Before restoration begins, SERVPRO of Novi will test the soot to determine which type of smoke damage occurred. The cleaning procedures will then be based on the information identified during pretesting. Here is some additional information:

Wet Smoke – Plastic and Rubber

  • Low heat, smoldering, pungent odor, sticky, smeary. Smoke webs are more difficult to clean.

Dry Smoke – Paper and Wood

  • Fast burning, high temperatures, heat rises therefore smoke rises.

Protein Fire Residue – Produced by evaporation of material rather than from a fire

  • Virtually invisible, discolors paints and varnishes, extreme pungent odor. 

Our Fire Damage Restoration Services

Since each smoke and fire damage situation is a little different, each one requires a unique solution tailored for the specific conditions.  We have the equipment, expertise, and experience to restore your fire and smoke damage.  We will also treat your family with empathy and respect and your property with care.

Have Questions about Fire, Smoke, or Soot Damage? Call Us Today – 248-344-0044 or 248-855-8167

Do you have a Fire Escape Plan?

8/23/2018 (Permalink)

Making a Plan

  • Ensure that all household members know two ways to escape from every room of your home
  • Make sure everyone knows where to meet outside in case of fire
  • Practice escaping from your home at least twice a year and at different times of the day. 
  • Make sure everyone knows how to call 911
  • Teach household members to STOP, DROP, and ROLL if their clothes should catch on fire.

Follow Your Escape Plan

During a home fire, remember to GET OUT, STAY OUT and call 911 or your local emergency phone number.

  • If closed doors or handles are warm, use your second way out. Never open doors that are warm to the touch
  • Crawl low under smoke
  • Go to your outside meeting place and then call for help
  • If smoke, heat or flames block your exit routes, stay in the room with doors closed. Place a wet towel under the door and call the fire department or 911. Open a window and wave a brightly colored cloth or flashlight to signal for help.

Practicing and following the steps to your fire escape plan can save your life!

Fire Safety Tips

8/23/2018 (Permalink)

Did you know that if a fire starts in your home, you may have just two minutes to escape? 

The most effective way to protect yourself and your home from fire is to identify and remove fire hazards. 60 percent of house fire deaths occur in homes with no working smoke alarms. During a home fire, working smoke alarms and a fire escape plan that has been practiced regularly can save lives.

Fire Safety Tips 

  • Talk with all household members about a fire escape plan and practice the plan twice a year.
  • Test smoke alarms once a month, if they’re not working, change the batteries.
  • If a fire occurs in your home, GET OUT, STAY OUT and CALL for help.
  • Install smoke alarms on every level of your home, inside bedrooms and outside sleeping areas.
  • Prepare

Preparing and Preventing a Home Fire - Steps You Can Take Now  

  • Keep items that can catch on fire at least three feet away from anything that gets hot, such as space heaters.
  • Never smoke in bed.
  • Talk to your children regularly about the dangers of fire, matches and lighters and keep them out of reach.
  • Download the Monster Guard: Prepare for Emergencies mobile game to teach kids about fire safety and other disasters.
  • Turn portable heaters off when you leave the room or go to sleep.  

Smoke Alarms

  • Install smoke alarms on every level of your home, inside bedrooms and outside sleeping areas.
  • Teach your children what smoke alarms sound like and what to do when they hear one.
  • Test smoke alarms once a month, if they’re not working, change the batteries.
  • Smoke alarms should be replaced every 10 years. Never disable smoke or carbon monoxide alarms.
  • Carbon monoxide alarms are not substitutes for smoke alarms. Know the difference between the sound of smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms.

Tips provided by American Red Cross