No one wants to experience a house fire. However, some simple preparation beforehand can minimize the amount of fire damage restoration you will need if flames break out. The following guide offers advice for keeping your family safe and your home as undamaged as possible. 

How to Prepare

Smoke detectors alert you of a potential house fire, so make sure at least one is installed on each floor and in every bedroom. Change the batteries and test these alarms every six months. Additionally, keep fire extinguishers on each level, including one in the kitchen, to put out small fires if needed. 

It’s also beneficial to run through fire drills with your family. Go through each room and outline multiple ways to exit the home safely if needed. In upstairs rooms, this may require you to get a small hanging ladder so that individuals can leave through windows if necessary. 

How to Respond to a Fire

If a fire has just started and is small, use a fire extinguisher. Pull the pin before directing the nozzle at the flames. Squeeze the handle until foam or gas ejects, and then move the nozzle from side to side until the fire is out. 

If the fire is too large to put out on your own, get everyone out of the house and call emergency services. Crawl or stay low to the ground to avoid smoke inhalation, and touch doorknobs lightly before opening them to determine if there are flames on the other side. Once outside, run down the block in case the flames spread, and call your local fire department to handle the rest. 

If you need fire damage restoration services after a house fire of any size, contact Elite Contracting & Consulting in Saint Louis, MO. The home remodeling and restoration service works with homeowners and businesses throughout southeastern Missouri, southern Illinois, southwestern Indiana, and northwestern Kentucky. The team is available 24/7 for emergencies and offers friendly, responsive service. Visit the website to see a full list of their capabilities. To request fire damage restoration service, call (314) 797-5220.