Fire, Water, Mold Prevention

Here at Restoration 1 of Central Denver, we know a thing or two about cleaning up a mess left behind due to a house fire, water, and mold. But everyone would prefer to never have to deal with the aftermath of such horrific disasters. Luckily, there are several ways to get ahead of potential home destruction. Stocking up on prevention devices is a great way to safeguard yourself against fire, water, and mold damage. 

Here is a list of prevention devices and safety tools every homeowner should keep handy:  

Devices to Prevent Fire Damage 

House fires can be disastrous. From the loss of property to the risk of bodily harm, fires can wreak havoc when they strike. Luckily, there are a lot of tools to help detect them quickly, temper them, and prevent any harm to you and your family.  

Smoke Detector 

Early detection is the key to fire safety. Not only are smoke detectors essential in keeping your home safe, but they’re also required by law. According to the National Fire Protection Association, your home must have a smoke detector at least in every sleeping room and directly outside of each room. Best practices are to check that your smoke alarm works every month and change out the batteries in them every six months.

Carbon Monoxide Alarms

Carbon Monoxide (CO) is an odorless, colorless gas that can be deadly when inhaled. CO build-up is commonly associated with appliances such as furnaces, gas-burning fireplaces, and stove top gas ranges. But as a house fire feeds off the oxygen in a room, it will slowly release CO into the air. This is why CO alarms are an important tool in your fire safety arsenal. 

Fire Extinguisher 

Fire extinguishers are a fire safety hallmark. Once you’re alerted to a fire, they offer an efficient way to snuff out the blaze while it’s still manageable. Store a fire extinguisher on every level of your home and be sure every member of your home is aware of how to use it. But do keep in mind that these devices are only meant for small fires. 

Don’t forget to use the common action guide to using a fire extinguisher: Pull, Aim, Squeeze, Sweep (P.A.S.S.).

Fire Escape Ladders

If you live in a second or third-story building, a collapsable escape ladder is another great tool to have. Fires can rapidly grow, closing off viable exits before you have a chance to escape. Stash an escape ladder in every upper-level room so if the unimaginable were to happen, your family has an easy backup route to escape from. 

Devices to Prevent Water Damage 

Flooding and water damage is another common disaster homeowners may encounter. Water damage can occur after heavy rain or after a burst pipe. Either way, you may be left with water stains, soaked belongings, or even a flooded basement. Be sure to equip your home with these prevention devices to get ahead of water damage.  

Sump Pump

A sump pump is a small device you can install at the lowest level of your home to help drain out floodwater. Situated in a basin or a “sump pit”, this device is used to funnel water away from your home. Essentially, the sump pump will sense when the basin fills with water. It will then begin to automatically pump the water through a discharge line towards a designated drainage area. 

Smart Home Devices 

There is a range of smart devices you can install on your piping to alert you of any potential issues with your plumbing system. Some of them not only alert you of a potential leak but also allow you to shut off your home’s water supply from your phone. This is vital since water damage can go from bad to worse quicker than you may expect. 

Low-Voltage Water Alarm

If you’re less inclined to go the tech-forward route, there are simpler alerting devices you can opt for. Low-voltage water alarms will inform you of any leaks or flooding. Install them in any room where there’s a potential for leaks to crop up such as your laundry room, basement, or bathroom. 

Devices to Prevent Mold Damage 

If water damage is left unattended for too long, you may have the displeasure of dealing with a mold outbreak as well. Mold and mildew can take root on your drywall, old boxes, clothing, and furniture within 24 hours of a leak or flood. If you live in a moist climate, it may even grow without any instance of water damage. Here are some devices you can use to curb its growth. 

Dehumidifier 

Mold requires a lot of moisture to grow. Dehumidifiers are a tool you can use to deprive mold spores of this vital key to its survival. This device can help keep your home at a low humidity level so you can stop mold in its tracks. The best level to shoot for is below 50%. 

HEPA Vacuums

Mold spores can be right under your nose and you may not notice until it’s too late. But there are steps you can take to rid some of them from your home during your typical cleaning routine. HEPA vacuums are not dissimilar to your old run-of-the-mill vacuum. The difference is that they are equipped with HEPA filtration systems perfect for trapping stray mold spores.

MoldTough Drywall 

If you want to go the extra mile to protect your home against mold, you can install MoldTough Drywall. This new insulation system is more mold-resistant than typical drywall. It’s not foolproof as it can still get soaked and eventually grow mold. But it will buy you a little bit more time while handling water damage. Install MoldTough Drywall in high-moisture areas such as your bathroom or kitchen.

If it’s already too late and the damage is done, contact your local restoration company immediately to see to restoring your home to its natural condition.

Author: John Rust

Author: John Rust

John Rust, Owner of Restoration 1 of Central Denver has been in the exterior and interior restoration industry for 12 years. His background includes exterior building products including roofing and siding, as well as interior restoration and reconstruction. John's experience encompasses field, sales and operations in both industries and currently manages all daily business and operations for Restoration 1 of Central Denver.