House fires can happen unexpectedly—but many are preventable. At Trademark, we’ve seen firsthand the devastation fire can cause, from smoke damage to structural loss. As a licensed general contractor and IICRC-certified restoration firm, we not only help families rebuild after disaster—we also believe in helping with fire damage prevention in the first place.
Whether you’re a homeowner looking to protect your investment or a landlord wanting to safeguard your property, here are key steps you can take to reduce fire risk—backed by our experience in fire restoration.
1. Install and Maintain Smoke Detectors
It sounds simple, but working smoke detectors save lives. Install them in every bedroom, hallway, and on each level of your home—especially near kitchens and furnaces. Check batteries monthly, and replace units every 10 years.
Pro tip: Consider upgrading to interconnected smoke alarms that sound throughout the home when one detects smoke.
2. Don’t Overload Electrical Systems
Electrical fires are one of the leading causes of house fires. Avoid plugging too many appliances into one outlet, and don’t use extension cords for long-term solutions. If your lights flicker or breakers trip regularly, have a licensed electrician inspect your system.
At Trademark, we often see fire damage begin behind walls from outdated or overloaded wiring—an issue that’s fully preventable with proactive maintenance!
3. Practice Safe Cooking Habits
Kitchen fires are the #1 cause of residential fires. Never leave a hot stovetop or oven unattended, and keep flammable items like dish towels or paper near the stove away from burners.
Keep a fire extinguisher easily accessible in the kitchen, and ensure everyone in your household knows how to use it.
Want to prevent water damage too? This blog has all the details!
4. Be Smart with Heating Sources
Whether it’s a fireplace, space heater, or wood stove, always keep flammable materials at least three feet away from heat sources. Turn off portable heaters when you leave the room, and have chimneys and furnaces inspected annually.
Our team often handles restoration after fires caused by improper use of space heaters or clogged dryer vents—small issues that can lead to big losses.
5. Protect Your Home’s Exterior
Don’t forget the outside of your home. Clear gutters of leaves and debris, trim tree branches that hang over the roof, and avoid storing firewood or flammable materials near the house.
For those in dry or wooded areas, using fire-resistant building materials for siding and roofing can add extra protection—something we often recommend during rebuilds.
When Fire Damage Prevention Isn’t Enough—We’re Here to Help
Despite our best efforts, accidents happen. That’s why Trademark is equipped with a team of experienced professionals ready to step in when restoration is needed. From emergency response and smoke removal to structural repairs and luxury remodeling, we handle the full scope of fire restoration—helping homeowners rebuild stronger and safer.
Contact us today to learn more about our restoration and remodeling services!
