Home is where the best memories are made — and keeping it that way requires some work. As a homeowner, it’s critical to know how to avoid the damaging and costly events of fires and floods.
Junk, debris, or trash buildup are all signs that an area of a home needs cleaned and poses a safety risk, says Adam Myers, a restoration project manager at Paul Davis of Northeast Indiana. Here are four areas to pay extra attention to prevent fires and floods.
KITCHEN APPLIANCES
Myers says kitchens are one of the most overlooked areas of a home that can cause a fire when neglected. That’s because people often leave things plugged in, like chargers and appliances, and these tend to be areas where there aren’t proper smoke detectors or fire extinguishers.
To reduce the risk of kitchen fires, regularly clean any area where grease or food can build up and create a fire hazard. Clean and replace grease filters monthly, empty crumb trays in your toaster or toaster oven, and wipe down your counters and walls often — areas where grease can linger. Myers recommends getting a smoke detector, carbon monoxide detector, and fire blanket for the kitchen.
ITEMS IN THE GARAGE
Like kitchens, garages are an area of the home that likely don’t have smoke detectors or carbon monoxide detectors, making it a very important area to pay attention to.
In your garage, clear out clutter and make sure flammable items are stored safely. When you have oil or gas leaks, clean them up promptly using absorbent materials.
Garages also often have dryer vents or exhaust systems in them, and dryer lint is highly flammable. Get in the habit of emptying your lint trap each time you do laundry — you’re better off safe than sorry. Clear dust and dirt off electronics and outlets to prevent fires, too, and if you have a drain, make sure it’s not blocked.
“It’s no fun learning the hard way,” Myers says.
SUMP PUMPS
Myers says basements are an area of the home that often get neglected. Over time, that neglect can cause floods.
In your basement, pay close attention to your sump pump. If you live in a dry area, you can get away with cleaning your sump pump a few times a year, but if it’s a rainy season or you live in an area that’s prone to flooding, clean it every few months. Test it, too, to prevent mishaps and reduce the risk of flooding.
“In my opinion, the best money spent to save yourself from an issue is just replacement rather than paying your deductible and loss of items,” Myers says about sump pumps. “I say replace every five to ten years — if it’s older than that, you’re asking for a problem.”
The same rule applies to grinder pumps, Myers says. He also recommends checking on the discharge line from a furnace or water softener, if you have it, since these can come unplugged or be kicked out of place by accident.
“Then you don’t know you have a problem as water can run under the carpet or the flooring and cause a big issue,” he says. “Just check these areas periodically.”
GUTTERS
Preventing fires and floods inside your home will require stepping outside of your home — don’t forget about cleaning your gutters in the fall.
“During dry season, critters can be working their way in or burrowing, and that can cause issues when the next season hits,” Myers says.
Avoid letting your gutters get backed up with leaves then freezing in the winter.
“Landscaping that piles up outside seems to be another one I see — we just keep adding landscaping but we can get it too high and cause a rot situation,” Myers says. “Water needs to get away from our foundations. Just keep dirt and landscaping below the slab or foundation walls.”
Make sure gutters and down spouts are hooked up and water is getting away from the home via a tile or diverter of some kind so water can get two to five feet away from the foundation, Myers says.
When it comes to floods, most people don’t even know where their main water shut off is, Myers says. Locate that and turn the water off when you’re leaving for extended times, but make sure your home’s water can be turned off without causing another issue. Water softener timers may have to be reset, for example.
GET PREPARED
While it’s important to avoid fires and floods, it’s also crucial to be prepared and have an evacuation plan if one happens to you. Figure out what doors and windows you can get out of, place signs on windows that indicate to firefighters if you have children or pets, and get equipped with fire extinguishers, fire blankets, and smoke and fire detectors.
If you need help with restoration services due to a fire or flood, the Difference Makers at Paul Davis of Northeast Indiana can help. Our team of compassionate professionals are available 24/7 to work with you. Call 260-436-7510to speak with a restoration professional.
