What to Do Before, During and After a House Fire | SERVPRO® of Western Dutchess County

10/1/2019 (Permalink)

It's important to know what to do before, during and after a fire, every little thing counts!

Knowing what to do in the event of a house fire is important. Though we all hope a fire will never happen to us, the reality is that there were nearly 500,000 fires in 2017 alone. Though they are always an alarming situation, planning ahead can go a long way in helping you feel safe and prepared. While practicing general fire safety is best, knowing what to do at every stage is essential for keeping yourself and your family safe.

By compiling resources from the National Fire Protection Association and Ready.gov, we’ve assembled a complete overview of preparedness, safety precautions and actions to take after the flames subside:

Before a Fire:

? Install smoke alarms in each bedroom and on each floor of the home, and be sure to check them once per year.

? Ensure the house number is visible from the road for emergency responders.

? Identify two ways out of each room and create a drawing of the floor plan reflecting escape routes.

? Identify an outdoor meeting place for the whole family, such as a neighbor’s mailbox.

? Alert any visitors or overnight guests to the plan should an emergency occur.

? If you have young children or family members who have limited mobility, assign them to a “buddy” who can make sure they get out safely.

? Make sure all escape routes are free of clutter and easily accessible for all family members.

During a Fire:

? Call 911 as soon as you are able.

? Because smoke rises, stay low to the ground to avoid inhalation as much as possible.

? Always feel the door and doorknob for heat to determine if a route is safe.

? Open doors with caution in case the fire is just beyond.

? If your clothes catch fire, remember to stop, drop and roll right away.

After a Fire:

? If you are in need of assistance, contact The Red Cross or other local emergency relief service.

? Contact your insurance company and a fire-certified restoration company as soon as possible.

? Always wait for the approval of the fire department before re-entering your home, and have a professional reconnect utilities.

? Take an inventory of all damaged items before cleanup begins.

? Save receipts for any expenditures accrued due to the fire.

If your home has been damaged in a fire, don’t hesitate to reach out to us  24/7! We are fully certified in fire restoration and can respond quickly to damages.