Ideally, you want to everything you can to prevent a house fire—but accidents happen. Are you prepared? Thankfully, there are many things you can do to protect your home from a house fire and prevent disaster before it strikes. To help out, we've come up with a list of 7 fire prevention tips to keep your family and your Loveland, Colorado home safe.

1. Turn off all appliances.

It’s 2019 and most appliances come equipped with automatic shutoff. But, what about that iron you still own from 2002? Or, the electric stovetop you installed in 2009? To avoid a house fire, you want to make sure all appliances are turned off before you go to bed and before you leave the house in the morning. A best practice? Keep a list on the fridge of all your regularly used appliances—this way you’ll stay aware of what needs to be switched off.

2. Don’t smoke indoors.

You’ve heard this one before—don’t smoke in bed. But, we feel it needs to be reiterated because it’s still a common cause of house fires. Don’t smoke indoors. Go outside—and when you put out your cigarette/cigar/etc/ make sure it’s put all the way out before leaving it.

3. Adjust your wattage.

Check your lamps and light fixtures. Doe the wattage of the bulbs you have installed match your recommended wattage? No? Well, installing a high-wattage light bulb into a lamp or light fixture that’s not equipped to handle it is another cause of house fires. To prevent fires, make sure you’re only installing appropriate bulbs in each lamp—and replace any that are currently over the limit.

4. Don’t overextend your outlets.

Never, ever overextend your electrical outlets. We all have a lot of electronics—again, its 2019 and everything requires a battery charge. Sometimes we get creative and start running extension cords all around our homes. It’s helpful because you can now plug in your cellphone, laptop, smartwatch, and TV on the same line...it’s also a great way to start a house fire. Plugging way too many appliances into a multiplug adapter is a great way to set your home ablaze; use a surge protector, instead. But, always be careful to not use more power than recommended for the outlet.

5. Have a fire escape plan.

Did you know that when a house fire starts most people only have about two to three minutes to escape their home without injury? That’s not a lot of time—which is why you need to prepare before disaster strikes. Have a fire escape plan that’s readily available and understood by everyone in the home.

6. Know how to use a fire extinguisher.

To prevent a small kitchen fire or the like from becoming a big disaster, it’s best to have a fire extinguisher on hand. Experts will recommend keeping two fire extinguishers in the home at all times—one in the kitchen and one near an exit. Learn how to use it now just in case a fire ever springs up.

7. Have the fire prevention talk.

Last, but certainly not least, make sure to talk with your family about fire safety. Children are never too young to learn—so make sure to include everyone in your plans. Discuss your fire escape plan, teach everyone how to use the fire extinguisher, and share tips on general fire safety.

970 Services: Fire and Smoke Restoration Professionals Near Loveland, CO

At 970 Services, we understand disaster. Our team is always professional, attentive, and willing to go the distance for any and all of our clients in Loveland and beyond. That’s why we’re known as one of Loveland’s leading fire and smoke restoration companies. As experienced professionals, we have the expertise and advanced equipment to completely remove smoke odor after a house fire.

If you are ever faced with a disaster, like a house fire or smoke damage, remember to call a local, trusted home restoration company (like us!) first. Need assistance ASAP? Give us a call now at (970) 888-0970 or contact us online for a free estimate.

Located in Loveland, CO, we also offer home restoration service in the following areas: Fort Collins, Loveland, Ault, Greeley, Denver, Windsor, Boulder, Longmont, and throughout Northern Colorado.

Fire Prevention Tips: How to Prepare Your Loveland Home Before It's Too Late