• Install smoke alarms on every floor of your home, especially inside bedrooms or right outside of them.
• Test smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors monthly. Change the batteries when necessary.
• Create a fire escape plan for you and your family and make sure to practice the plan at least once a year.
• Keep all flammable objects away from the stovetop.
• Never leave the kitchen unattended if appliances are on.
• Get your chimneys, fireplaces, wood stoves, and furnace serviced once a year.
• Make sure to have a fire extinguisher on every level of your home in case of emergencies.
• Put out all candles and unplug any space heaters before going to bed or leaving your home.
• Get rid of any electrical cords that have frayed wires.

• Disconnect your hoses before winter to avoid pipes freezing and bursting.
• Clean gutters twice a year to eliminate blockage and ice dams.
• Make sure that your outdoor landscaping does not interfere with any utility pipes.
• Know where your water main shutoff is located so you can turn off the water supply immediately if there is an emergency.
• Check your appliances frequently for any leaks and if there is a leak fix it promptly to avoid any further damage.
• Install a water detector in your home to notify you when your home has too much moisture from leaks that may go unnoticed.
• Invest in a water pressure gauge to measure your home’s water pressure.
• Examine your water bill for sudden price jumps which can mean that there is a leak in your home.
• Bathrooms are popular places for water damage. Make sure to add additional caulking and grouting around sinks, the bathtub, and showers to prevent any leaks.
• Check your sump pump frequently to make sure it is working correctly to remove water in case of flooding or water damage.
• Inspect your roof for missing, broken, or loose shingles.

• Tackle wet spots immediately even if it’s something as simple as a small spill on the carpet.
• Make sure rooms with a higher risk for mold such as the bathroom, kitchen, basement, and laundry room have proper ventilation.
• When building or updating your home use mold-resistant materials such as drywall, mold-resistant sheetrock, and mold inhibitors to add to paint.
• Invest in a moisture meter from your local hardware store to measure the humidity in your home. Indoor humidity should be at 30 to 60 percent in your home.
• Increase air circulation within your home by opening doors between rooms and closets and let fresh air in to reduce moisture and keep the risk of mold growth low.

These home disaster prevention and safety tips will help to decrease the chances of encountering a home disaster of your own. However, there is no eliminating the chances all together. In the event that you do suffer from a home disaster such as a home fire, water damage, or mold growth, call the Professional Fire Restoration Services team.

Professional Fire Restoration should be the first call you make after experiencing any kind of damage in your home. The team will assess the damage in your home after the disaster and create a restoration plan that covers you and your home from point A to point Z. We have over 35+ years of experience of turning crisis into calm. We’re here to help you along your path to starting new. Contact us today!