Do you want to prevent fires in the basement? Here are few fire hazards that you need to be mindful of.
Basement fire hazards can be extremely dangerous, regardless of who you are and where you live. Gas-powered and electricity-powered appliances are placed in the basement. Furthermore, most homeowners store flammable substances like oil and gasoline within the basement. As a result, the chances of fire within the basements are relatively higher as compared to other areas within your home. Here are some basement fire hazards that you need to be careful of:
Clutter
In most households, the basement is used for the purpose of storing waste items such as old newspapers, old cardboard boxes, and old wooden furniture. In the event that fire breaks out in the basement, all of this clutter will do more harm than good, and it will serve as fuel for the fire. Furthermore, this clutter can also obstruct you and your family members who are stuck in the basement during a fire accident and are trying to escape and save their lives.
Flammable Items
As we have already discussed, most people use the basement to store flammable items such as gasoline and petrol. This is actually the root of the problem, and it should be taken care of.
If you have any extra paint, varnish, gasoline or petrol lying around inside the basement, try to have it recycled, or give it away. You never know when these things may come in contact with heat and fire. To keep yourself, your family members, and your house safe, try not to have flammable materials and substances within the basement.
Appliances
Chances are that there are certain electrical or gas powered appliances inside your basement. Make sure these appliances are regularly checked. The gas powered appliances should be checked for leaks and any source of heat should be kept away from them. In the case of electrical appliances, you should check whether or not they are overheating. If they are, make sure they are replaced or repaired right away. Furthermore, loose cords with frayed ends should be replaced right away.
Conclusion
Fires are dangerous and can lead to a lot of damage. To prevent fires in the first place, keep these basement fire hazards in mind and install smoke and fire detectors. Once these devices have been installed, they will let you know whether a fire has taken place, thus allowing you to take the right precautionary measures to keep yourself and your family members safe.
Despite preventative measures, if you experience a basement fire, call a local fire restoration company immediately.
