Identifying a Fire Hazard

Fires can be a devastating disaster for any type of property, so it’s important to keep an eye out for potential fire hazards and handle them before an incident occurs. That’s why the smoke and fire damage remediation professionals at United Water Restoration Group of Port St. Lucie want to explain how to spot a fire hazard in a Port St. Lucie, Florida property.

 

Identify Ignition Sources

An ignition source is any heat source that could get hot enough and create a fire. These include:

• Lighters or matches
• Cigarettes, cigars, or vapes
• Cooking appliances
• Hot plates and candle warmers
• Fireplaces, either electrical or wood-burning
• Electrical, gas, or oil-fired heaters

 

Know Potential Fire Hazards

Here are some common fire hazards you should check your property for:

• Loose outlets and exposed wiring
• Outdated electrical systems or appliances
• Overloaded outlets or extension cords
• Unattended lit candles
• Dirty fireplace
• Cooking debris or grease on a stovetop
• Full lint trap in your dryer
• Flammable items near a stove, hairstyling appliance, or other heat sources

 

Look for Fuel Sources

Fuel is anything that could catch on fire, such as:

• Clothing, towels, curtains, and other fabrics
• Furniture
• Flammable liquids, like cooking grease, fire starter, and some cleaning solutions
• Cardboard and paper
• Plastics

 

Understand Oxygen’s Role

Oxygen is the thing that makes the fire grow and spread, and, in the case of many property fires, oxygen from the surrounding air helps fuel a fire. However, canned oxygen is another source that some homes and commercial properties, such as a healthcare facility, may have.

In the case of a fire hazard becoming a fire, have a plan for eliminating a small fire’s access to oxygen. And always use the best storage and travel practices regarding oxygen canisters.

 

Check Your Fire Safety Tools

Make sure that your property’s fire alarms are in working order by regularly testing them and changing the batteries. Also, be sure that you have a fire extinguisher in the kitchen and anywhere with machinery, such as a shop.

There are other ways to handle a fire hazard in Port St. Lucie and more fire hazards to keep an eye out for when fireproofing your property. And if a fire does occur, you can call the experienced fire and smoke damage restoration professionals at United Water Restoration Group of Port St. Lucie at (772) 247-0907 to rescue your property.