Uncontrolled fires are a major cause of property damage, injury, and death. The following steps are easy to take and can help protect you and your family from the dangers of house fires.
- Install smoke detectors and make sure they work. Alarms should be replaced every 10 years.
- Change the batteries in smoke detectors every 6 months.
- Before going to sleep, close your bedroom door. In the event of a fire, this can slow the spread of smoke and flames.
- Candles should be closely supervised: Blow them out when you leave the room and don’t light candles when you may fall asleep. Make sure they are in a safe and sturdy holder and at least a foot from any flammable material.
- Cooking and grilling are common causes of house fires. Use care when cooking, do not leave fires unsupervised, check for gas leaks, and keep flammable materials away from the cooking area.
- Be sure to have an escape plan in the event of a fire. Practice it with your family on a regular basis.
Follow these tips and check the American Red Cross website for more home fire safety information. And remember the most important guideline: If a fire starts in your home, the first thing to do is get everyone out before you call for help. Do not go back into a burning house once you’ve escaped.
What to Do If You’re Injured in a Fire
Sometimes, house fires can be caused by malfunctioning appliances or products and there is nothing you can do to prevent them. In this case, you may be able to file a claim for damages to your property and you (or your family’s) health. If you think a house fire was caused by a negligent manufacturer or service technician, reach out to us to learn about your options.
Call Grewal Law PLLC at (888) 211-5798 for a free consultation. We want to help you and your family stay safe.