Two of the most destructive events that can happen to any home or property are fires and floods, with devastating results for homeowners. Your primary concern should be to make the family’s health as secure as possible. In this article, we’ll look at several ways to prevent both fire and water damage at home so that one can make the most of these unforeseen happenings and keep the property and surrounding safe.
The people of Los Angeles, CA, are fortunate that they have some prominent service providers in the vicinity. Los Angeles restoration works are efficiently done thanks to these companies. You may visit the Water Damage Restoration Pro website to get updated about this unique utility organization and its latest methods to combat water and fire hazards.
How to Prevent Water Damage
- Review the list of flood zones that apply to your area, and if the danger is significant, keep enough sandbags handy at all times.
- Especially in the fall months, keep your gutter free of any debris or dry leaves that may hinder the flow of water.
- Verify the drainage condition around your home to make sure it is clean and functional.
- Electrical outlets inside the building should preferably be elevated at least 1.5 meters off the ground to prevent them from flooding.
- Check everything that consumes water, including dishwashers, hot water tanks, washing machine hoses, refrigerators, freezers, etc. Undertake periodical maintenance of service equipment!
- Insulate all external pipes during the winter season to avoid freezing and potential ruptures during cold weather.
- You should fully turn off your water connections when you are away from home for an extended period,
- Refrain from pouring grease down sinks! Unfortunately, it can set and stay rock solid inside the pipes, which may lead to permanent clogging.
- Pay close attention to your water bill. Take adequate steps to inspect all your appliances for any leaks if you experience an extraordinary hike in your water bill.
- Inspect the non-return valves on your outflow pipes and drains. Learn how to turn off your utilities in a crisis.
- Store all your essential files and documents securely in a safer and dry place.
- Join community welfare associations and flood alert stations in your area.
- Throw away any food items that have been affected by floodwaters to be on the safer side. It’s because the kitchen water might get contaminated after having combined with sewer lines.
How to Prevent Fire Damage
- Install certified smoke alarms, and make sure they are operational regularly.
- Keep a fire extinguisher close by in an accessible area. Commercial properties are mandated by law to have fire extinguishers.
- Frequently clean fireplaces, chimneys, furnaces, and other inflammable appliances.
- Make sure you don’t overload electrical circuits, extension cords, or fuse boxes.
- Watch out for candles. Never leave stuff like these unattended, and check if they are extinguished before you go to sleep!
- If you use an open fire, check there is some form of metal barrier around so that dispersed fire embers do not spread outside the metal obstruction.
- Keep curtains and clothing away from open flames.
- Make certain to properly dispose of any cigarette stubs, and avoid smoking in bed.
- Explain primary firefighting techniques to everyone within the home or office. Establish a plan for your evacuation route.
- Keep any matches and lighters out of children’s reach.
Conclusion
Fire and water damage can be disastrous for your home or office. The need of the hour is to call the restoration services immediately. But before that, you should initiate these preventive steps, which will help you keep things under control.