It happens everyday and it happens very easily: fire accidents. Fires claim the lives of hundreds of people in the United States alone each year. People who are the victims of fires that erupt in high-rise or tall buildings are less likely to survive and are more likely to receive severe burns and injuries. However, everyone should know what to do to prevent a fire and what to prepare for in the event a fire occurs.
The victim of fire-related accident may be able to seek the legal attention of a lawyer if he or she became involved in the accident due to the negligence of another person or establishment. A lawyer may be able to help victims for damages regarding personal property, physical damages, and other types of damages that have affected the victim and the victim's family.
Fires can become exponentially worse due to the combustible properties of most materials that makeup houses and other buildings. A fire needs only oxygen to sustain itself and with many products containing high levels of oxygen, a fire can become uncontrollable and can pread very quickly.
Here are a few things you can do to prevent a fire from happening:
- Clean stove tops, ventilation hoods, and cooking surfaces
- Unplug appliances after use
- Use as few extensions cords as possible
- Keep appliances away from wet areas
- Dispose of faulty appliances
- Keep wiring out from under carpets, rugs, and areas where people walk
- Keep smoking outdoors
- Report or fix any exposed wiring
- Keep space heaters away from other objects
- Keep highly oxygenated chemicals away from heat and sources of heat.
Of course, sometimes you cannot prevent a fire accident from occurring. This is especially true when you are on another person's property. Here are a few items you can make sure to prepare for in the event a fire does occur:
- Figure out a fire escape plan for each room of the house or building
- Post emergency numbers people may need to be aware of
- Test and maintain smoke alarms on each area of the house or building
- Purchase and maintain a fire extinguisher
- Keep emergency exits clear of obstructions
- Have a meeting to discuss the fire escape route
- Make sure a door is always between you and any smoke
- Stay low since smoke rises to the ceiling
For more information regarding fire prevention and legal assistance for victims of fires, contact the Philadelphia personal injury lawyers of Lowenthal & Abrams, P.C.
Joseph Devine
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