When it comes to protecting your home, it’s critical to be fully informed about the risks and dangers of fires. One of the biggest dangers concerning home fire safety is the myths that people readily believe on this topic. Let’s debunk three dangerous myths about home fire safety.
1. Smoke Alarms Give You Plenty of Time
Although smoke alarms are definitely an essential part of fire prevention and they do give you an early warning, you should never assume you have a guaranteed amount of time to escape a fire. For families that don’t have an established evacuation route, time can quickly slip away in this kind of emergency situation. Fires spread very quickly and have unpredictable behavior, so there is really no way to determine how much time you have. For this reason, you must always assume you have very little time and must evacuate yourself and your family immediately.
You also need to make sure you have enough smoke detectors, because according to The Zebra, 47% of people believe they only need one smoke detector for their whole house. This is simply not the case, so remember to prioritize having the right set of equipment and alarms installed throughout the house.
2. Small Fires Are Easy to Contain
If you see a small fire break out in your home, do not assume that safely extinguishing it is easy or can be done without the right information. Fires grow and spread rapidly, no matter their size. Calling 911 immediately is still a number-one response, even in the event of a small fire. Extinguishing efforts may be more feasible, but the assistance of professional emergency workers remains essential. Remember, even small fires can cause a need for fire damage repair.
3. New Homes Aren’t at Risk of a Fire
It is dangerous to assume any house isn’t at risk because of how recently they were built. Although there are many improvements that can cut down some risks, you should always be vigilant to keep your home safe with smoke detectors, fire alarms, and a fire evacuation plan that is updated and understood by everyone in the home.
Use the truth to keep your family better protected from fire. If your home has experienced a fire, please contact ServiceMaster for fire damage repair. We’re here to provide the commercial and residential services you need.