There are two types of risk prevention: taking steps to avoid a disaster from happening and taking steps after a disaster to keep the damage from becoming worse. It can be helpful to understand the main disasters that you can prevent and what to do about the ones you cannot. Here are a few risk prevention tips that can make a difference.
• Tip #1 – Secure your home before going on vacation. If you do not have a trustworthy home-sitter keeping an eye on your home every day, you should take steps to prevent the potential for water and fire damage. Shut off and unplug as many electrical devices as you possibly can. Turn the water off – if not to the entire house, at least to the toilets, faucets, ice maker, washing machine, and water heater.
• Tip #2 – Take care when cooking. It might surprise you how many house fires begin with a BBQ by having it too close to the house or leaving it unattended. In addition, not staying present in the kitchen when cooking can be another recipe for disaster.
• Tip #3 – Call a disaster restoration professional immediately if there is water intrusion. The longer you allow water to stand in your home, the more damage can result. This is not just because home building materials will continue to soak up water, but also because mold may begin growing in areas that are wet that you cannot see.
• Tip #4 – Use electronics in a same manner. Dependence on power strips and extension cords, as well as overwhelming electrical circuits, is a common cause for electrical fires. Be especially diligent with holiday lights and keeping your tree from becoming dry and brittle.
At Emergency Restoration Xperts (ERX), we serve the Carolinas with a variety of comprehensive disaster restoration services. We would much rather not have to come to your home after a disaster you could have prevented, but know that we are here for you in any emergency and we are active in risk prevention protocol recommendations to keep you and your family safe. Call today with any questions you might have.
