Basement Fire Prevention

6/23/2019 (Permalink)

While flooding, water damage and mold are always a concern in the basement of your home or business, preventing a fire is just as important. Here are some tips to help keep your basement safe from a possible fire.

A smoke alarm should be installed in the basement.

Basement smoke alarms should be cleaned once a month to remove dust build-up. This ensures that it works properly throughout the year. In addition, the basement smoke alarm should be connected to the other smoke alarms in the home.

Install a carbon monoxide alarm as well, especially if there is heating equipment that burns gas, oil or wood in your basement.

Flammable materials.

Materials such as debris, paper, and textiles, should be kept away from heating equipment. Oily rags should be put in airtight containers and away from heat sources. Trash should also be kept out of the basement.

Equip your basement with arc-fault circuit interrupters.

These devices prevent fires in electrical switches from occurring by shutting off the circuit when an unintentional arc (discharge of electricity) occurs within the circuit.

Keep the stairs free of clutter.

This will provide less fuel for a fire and to be able to quickly escape the basement in case of an emergency.

Have Questions about Fire, Smoke, or Soot Damage?

We can help. SERVPRO of Bloomington/Pontiac – (309) 827-7500