Fire Safety Tips from a Restoration Company

As a restoration company, our team at ServiceMaster Trifecta has seen it all—fire damage at every level—and we don’t want you to be next! Equipping your home with things like smoke detectors and fire extinguishers, while also being sure to follow a few basic fire safety tips when using your kitchen, grill or fireplace, can provide not only an added layer of safety for your home and family but also peace of mind!

Home Fire Prevention

Fires can be incredibly dangerous, causing property damage, injuries, and even loss of life. To keep your family safe from fires, take these precautions to help prevent fires from ever starting.

1. Keep flammable materials away from heat sources. For instance, keep anything flammable or combustible at least three feet away from space heaters.
2. Don’t leave fires unattended. This includes fireplaces, stovetops, candles and cigarettes.
3. Fix or replace damaged electrical cords or wires.
4. Don’t overload wall outlets or extension cords.
5. Regularly inspect and maintain your furnace or other home heating source.
6. Install smoke detectors on every floor of your home, in every bedroom, and outside each sleeping area. Regularly inspect and maintain them.
7. Keep a fire extinguisher handy and make sure you know how to use it.
8. Make sure everyone in your household is aware of your fire safety plan, including emergency exits from your home, a meeting point outside you home, and how to call 9-1-1.

Grill Safety

Grilling out can go from a fun family meal to an emergency situation in the blink of an eye. Practicing safe grilling can keep people, pets and property safe from fire.

• Set your grill up outside and at a safe distance from buildings, trees and other flammable objects.
• Light your grill using special long lighters or matches to avoid getting burned. Keep out of reach of children.
• Don’t leave your grill unattended.
• Cool your grill completely before storing it and make sure to clean regularly.

Charcoal Grill Safety 

• Only add enough charcoal to cover the bottom of the grill.
• Store extra charcoal away from other potential fire hazards.
• Only use starter fluid specifically designed for charcoal. Apply it to cold coals only, and don’t add extra fluid once the grill is lit.
• Empty your used ashes only when they have fully cooled. Dump them on garden soil or contain them in a metal receptacle.

Gas Grill Safety

• Open the lid before lighting the grill.
• Check your grill’s gas line and tank fittings regularly for leaks. Replace any damaged parts before using the grill.
• Store spare gas cylinders upright and outside, away from any structures to minimize fire risks. 
• Turn off your grill using the controls first, then close off the gas line at the tank.

Fire Pit Safety

• Set up your fire pit in a wide open space away from buildings, trees and other structures that could catch fire.
• Do not use gasoline or lighter fluid with a fire pit. Stick to dry wood.
• Make sure people and pets maintain a safe distance from the fire.
• Consider adding a screen around your grill to prevent sparks from escaping.
• Have a bucket of water or hose nearby in case of emergency

Kitchen Fire Cleanup

Did you know that even cleanup after a fire can be dangerous? If you experience a fire in your kitchen, it is worth a second look before you immediately start cleaning. Here are some tips for restoring your kitchen safely.

• Have your kitchen inspected by professionals to ensure there’s no dangerous underlying damage, like to your electrical system, gas lines or ductwork. 
• Take pictures of the damage and submit a claim to your insurance agency immediately. Don’t start on cleanup until your insurance company has a chance to evaluate.
• Where protective gear like gloves, masks, pants, long sleeves and boots when around the damaged area or cleaning up.
• Ventilate the area well.
• Don’t eat or drink around hazardous materials. 
• Remove salvageable, valuable and meaningful items first, and then throw out debris and unsalvageable items.
• Remove kitchen cabinets and drawers to access the interior space
• Clean appliances, countertops and other surfaces.
• Change your air filters.

Fire safety is of the utmost importance, and we want you to safe at all times. In the event the worst happens, though, our team at ServiceMaster is ready to help you get back to normal.

If you experience a fire, call us in Louisville: 502-261-1755 or Nashville: 615-822-9327 or contact us online. Prepare your business with our planning guide here.