Ways to Protect Your Home from Water, Fire & Mold

Here is a quick overview of some practices you can adopt to keep yourself and your family safe from fire, water damage, and mold.

Even the smallest fires or water leaks can prove devastating for your home if the damage finds its way to an overlooked area. For example, if water ends up in the basement or behind the wall, you'll likely get mold, and if smoke/soot settles, it will reduce the air quality of your home.

This article will go over ways you protect your home (and yourself) from water, fire, and mold.

• Prevent ice damming.
• Regularly clean and maintain gutters/downspouts. Remove debris or bird nests to avoid overflow or blockage.
• Get your roof inspected before winter for any missing shingles, flashing, or granules.
• Make sure your sump pump has a battery system.
• Install backflow valves/standpipes where possible, especially basement drains.

• Make sure your smoke alarm is functioning by testing it once a month.
• Don't leave heating appliances unattended, especially space heaters.
• Make sure there are no frayed/chewed, or otherwise damaged wires.
• Store flammable products properly.
• Keep a fire extinguisher within reach at all times.

• Make sure your home's humidity level doesn't cross 60%.
• Use dehumidifiers, if possible. Let your exhaust fan run a while to let the moisture out of your bathroom and kitchen.
• Inspect your hoses, pipes, and other fittings to ensure there are no leaks.
• Check the back of your fridge to make sure it isn't leaking.
• Water your plants, but make sure water doesn't stand under the plants.

With these basic tips, you should be able to prevent most instances of water damage, fire, and mold. However, there is always more that you can do. If you want someone to help you mitigate water damage, restore fire damage, or remove mold, we are here for you. Give us a quick call, and we'll be right over to help you out! Call us at 609.859.5600 or email us.