When Fire Erupts

7/2/2024 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Denton specializes in a multitude of fire remediation services such as smoke and soot removal, contents cleaning, and board-ups.

We’re all familiar with the saying “Stop, Drop, and Roll” when it comes to a fire catching on our clothes. But do you know how to prepare a plan for when your home or business catches on fire? Here are some preparation and action plan tips!

Prevention Tips

In order to prevent a fire from disturbing your property, there are some tips to protect your home or business provided by the Arizona Department of Homeland Security:

• Install smoke alarms/detectors
• Vacuum/dust smoke alarms weekly
• Test each smoke alarm monthly, replace batteries immediately when needed
• Replace smoke alarm batteries twice a year
• Replace smoke alarms every 10 years
• For a home, keep more than one fire extinguisher in an accessible location, for businesses and commercial buildings, keep an appropriate number of fire extinguishers in easy to access locations throughout the building
• Know how to use a fire extinguisher and where they are located on the property
• Keep matches and lighters safely out of reach of children
• Never leave something cooking on the stove unattended and keep the cooking area clutter free

Make a Plan

An emergency action plan is crucial to prevent injury in the case of a fire. Below is information on how to create a valid action plan in the case of a fire emergency.

• Determine escape routes for every room/floor of the property
• Select a location outside the building to meet everyone after escaping
• Practice the escape plan once a month
• Consider escape ladders for applicable floors and store them near windows
• Consider installing and automatic fire sprinkler system 

If a Fire Occurs

Here are the steps to take in the event of a fire.

• Get everyone out of the building
• Call 9-1-1 immediately
• Use a fire extinguisher if: the fire is contained and there is an extinguisher nearby
• Do not try to put out a fire that is getting out of control. If you are unsure you can control it, get out of the building
• If the fire is not electrical or chemical in nature, water can also be used to extinguish it
• During kitchen fires from oil or grease, smother it with baking soda or salt, cover with a lid if the fire is in a pan
• If your clothes catch on fire, stop, drop, and roll. Running will only make the fire burn faster
• If you hear the sound of a smoke alarm, touch the knob of the door you are leaving through with the back of your hand

• If the knob is cool, leave immediately and close all doors behind you 
• If the doorknob is warm, use your second way out. If there is no other way out, stay in the room with the door closed
• If you stay in the room with the door closed, signal for help using a bright colored cloth in the window, call 9-1-1 if you have an operating phone, stuff the cracks of the door with towels or rags and cover vents to keep smoke out, call the fire department again to tell them exactly where you are located in the building, wait at a window and signal for help with a flashlight or cloth, if possible open the window at the top and bottom - do not break the window in the case it needs to be shut from smoke rushing in

• Do not use elevators 
• Be prepared to crawl, smoke and heat rise, so the air is cooler and clearer near the floor
• Once you are out, stay out and call the fire department
• If there is anyone missing at the designated meeting spot, alert firefighters once they arrive

What To Do After a Fire

Following a fire, it is important to assess and regroup. We’ve provided some tips on how to do this.

• Stay calm and pace yourself. You may find yourself in the position of taking charge and helping others, listening closely to what they are telling you and deal patiently with urgent situations first
• Have any injuries examined and treated by medical professionals
• For small wounds, wash them with soap and water and use bandages to prevent infection
• Check with the fire department on if it safe to enter the property, do not remove any tape that was placed over doors and windows that mark dangerous areas unless authorities advise you to do so
• Contact your local SERVPRO® for all necessary restoration and reconstruction

When fires erupt, it can be overwhelming and scary, but by following the steps listed above, it can seem less daunting. When you do experience a fire in your home or business, SERVPRO of Denton is here for you. Our team of expert technicians is available 24/7 to remediate damages caused by fires and water damage from firefighting efforts along with full turnkey reconstruction. Don’t hesitate to call us when disaster strikes!