When the safety of your family and your home is concerned, preventing a fire in your home is one of the most crucial tasks that you can undertake. In addition to causing harm to your family, a house fire has the very real potential to cause extensive property damage.

If you are looking for ways to protect your family and home from a fire, Archer Cleaning & Restoration Services have put together an easy to follow list of common causes of house fires, and how you can prevent them.

Your smoke and fire detectors are your first line of defense against a fire growing, and are the best way to alert you that a fire has occurred. However, these devices only function if they contain charged batteries. During the summer vacation, take some time to replace the batteries in all of your smoke and fire detectors, along with testing they are in full working order.

The kitchen is one of the most common places for a home fire to start, given the presence of open flames. Ensure that you do not store your oven mitts and tea towels close to any open flames and that none of your appliances are faulty.

A good rule of thumb is always to have a fire extinguisher present in your kitchen, however, place it at least one meter away from your cooking appliances. While this may seem counter-intuitive, if an appliance sets on fire and the extinguisher is too close, the fire can prevent you from accessing the extinguisher.

As the list of electronics in each home continues to grow, so too does the need for power. Incorrect use of power strips or power sockets can easily result in an electrical fire. Never 'daisy chain' power strips together and avoid using adapters which allow you to plug multiple cords into one power socket. If you have run out of power sockets, speak with an electrician about installing more.

If your property has sustained damage and you need property restoration services in St Croix Falls, WI, speak with an expert. Contact Archer Cleaning & Restoration Services at 888-436-3499 to ensure professional and safe property restoration.

If you are lucky enough to have a working fireplace in your home, be sure that the immediate area surrounding it is clear from flammable debris, such as seasonal or general home decorations. When in use, always ensure that you are using a glass or wire mesh screen to protect popping embers from exiting the fireplace and causing a fire hazard on your carpet. Of course, you should never leave a fire unattended, especially if you and your family are going to sleep.

Candles are becoming an increasingly popular alternative to general overhead lighting. However, many homeowners forget that in essence, a candle is an open flame with just as much risk attached to it as a fireplace. Never place a candle close to a wall or under any curtains, including any small candies contained in an oil burner. Similar to a fireplace, never leave a candle unattended and always ensure they are put out before going to sleep.

If you are hosting a summer barbecue, be sure that you place the barbecue away from areas where guests will gather and never leave it unattended. Always check your gas bottle and hoses before each use to ensure there are no leaks. If you have children around, educate them on the dangers of playing around a barbecue, and be sure they know what to do in the event of a fire.

While you may not use a space heater during summer, it is always important to understand the fire danger which accompanies them. One of the most common reasons that a space heater will cause a house fire is that it has been left unattended. Just because they are small, they can generate a lot of heat, and if they fall over or come in contact with curtains, a fire can quickly erupt.

House fires have the potential to cause extensive damage to your home and property, however, in most cases they are easily prevented.

If your home has sustained fire damage or you are in need of emergency disaster recovery, speak with an expert by calling Archer Cleaning & Restoration Services at 888-436-3499.