According to a 2022 news release by the National Fire Protection Association, U.S. home fire deaths hit a 14-year high in 2021. The home, where people feel the safest, is actually the setting of 75% of all U.S. fire deaths. This is why it’s important to protect your place of residence from any fire hazard as often as possible!
Flammable materials are common in many households, ranging from gasoline and propane to household cleaners and paint. Proper storage and handling of these materials can significantly reduce the risk of fires and ensure the safety of your home and family. In this article, we will discuss seven ways to safely store flammable materials at home.
1. Limit the Number of Flammable Materials Stored at Home
Minimize the risk of fires by limiting the flammable materials you store at home. Only keep what you need for immediate use, and dispose of unused or expired materials safely and according to local regulations.
2. Store Flammable Materials Away from Children and Pets
Ensure that flammable materials are stored out of reach of children and pets. Use high shelves or locked cabinets to prevent unauthorized access, and educate your family about the dangers of these materials.
3. Identify and Label Flammable Materials
The first step to safely storing flammable materials is identifying and labeling them. Carefully read product labels and look for hazard warnings, such as “flammable” or “combustible.” Clearly label containers with the type of material and any necessary or additional safety precautions.
4. Store Flammable Materials in Approved Containers
Always store flammable materials in their original containers or in approved safety containers designed for flammable liquids. These containers are typically made of metal or plastic, have self-closing lids, and include flame arresters to prevent the ignition of vapors.
5. Keep Flammable Materials Away from Heat Sources and Ignition Sources
Store flammable materials away from heat sources, such as furnaces, water heaters, and stoves. Keep them away from ignition sources like electrical outlets, open flames, and smoking areas. Maintain a safe distance of at least 3 feet between flammable materials and potential heat or ignition sources.
6. Store Flammable Materials in a Well-Ventilated Area
Proper ventilation is essential when storing flammable materials, as it helps disperse potentially hazardous vapors. Store these materials in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area, such as a detached shed or garage. Avoid storing them in basements or other confined spaces with limited airflow.
7. Develop a Fire Safety Plan
Preparation is the key to disaster prevention. Create a fire safety plan that includes regular inspections of your home for fire hazards, installation of smoke alarms, and practicing fire escape routes with your family.
Additional Safety Reminders to Prevent Fires
March to May is the peak of the wildfire season in Florida. Here are some essential steps to protect your property and ensure the safety of your family:
- Create a defensible space. Clear the area around your home to create a buffer zone that can slow the spread of a wildfire. Remove dead vegetation, dry leaves, and branches within 30 feet of your home. Trim trees and bushes, and maintain a minimum of 10 feet between tree crowns to prevent fire from spreading through the tree canopy.
- Choose fire-resistant landscaping. Select fire-resistant plants and materials for your landscaping. Use rock, gravel, or stone as ground cover instead of highly flammable materials like wood chips or pine needles.
- Maintain your property. Regularly clean your gutters, roof, and chimneys to remove debris that can easily ignite during a wildfire. Trim tree branches that overhang your roof and keep them at least 10 feet away from the chimney.
- Use fire-resistant building materials. Whenever possible, use fire-resistant materials for your home's construction, including roofing, siding, windows, and decks. Consider installing ember-resistant vents and screens to prevent embers from entering your home.
- Install a fire-resistant fence. Replace wooden fences with non-combustible materials such as metal or stone. This can help slow the spread of fire to your home.
- Prepare an emergency plan. Develop a family emergency plan that includes evacuation routes, a designated meeting place, and an emergency kit with essential supplies. Make sure all family members are familiar with the plan and practice it regularly.
- Stay informed. Monitor local news and weather reports during the wildfire season to stay informed about potential threats. Sign up for emergency alerts from your local government to receive timely notifications.
- Create a home inventory. Document your possessions with photos or videos, and keep a record of your belongings, including receipts and serial numbers. This will help in the event of an insurance claim if your home is damaged by a wildfire.
- Review your insurance policy. Ensure your homeowner's insurance policy provides adequate coverage for your home and possessions in case of wildfire damage. You can purchase flood insurance for additional coverage.
- Be prepared to evacuate. If a wildfire threatens your area, be prepared to evacuate quickly. Follow the instructions of local authorities and evacuate immediately if advised to do so.
By taking these precautions, you can reduce the risk of your home being severely damaged by a wildfire and ensure the safety of your family. If your home is affected by fire, call ServiceMaster by Reed for professional fire damage restoration services in Hollywood, Florida.
Call Us for Fire and Smoke Damage Repairs in Hollywood, Florida
Trust the experts at ServiceMaster by Reed to help you return your home to its pre-fire condition. Call us today at (954) 922-2020 for prompt and professional assistance. Customers can also schedule an appointment through our online contact form. We service Hollywood, Florida, and nearby areas.
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- Two decades of experience
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