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Fire Prevention & Response10 Fire Safety Tips for Historic Property Owners

Conduct your own fire prevention check. Make sure there are appropriate safety measures in place, such as fire alarms, sprinkler systems, and fire extinguishers kept handy.

1. Do a fire inspection.

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During the holidays, be mindful of how you decorate and watch out for fire hazards such as tangled cords, overloaded outlets, or lights and candles kept too close to fabric or dry pine needles. Don’t forget to turn off those Christmas tree lights when you leave the house.

2. Take extra holiday precautions.

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Keep your important paperwork, such as documents on the history of your property, in a fireproof safe. That way, if disaster were to strike, you will have all the info you need for an accurate restoration.

3. Store documents in a fireproof safe.

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And no one understands these differences better than a professional. The best step you can take to ensure your historic home is taken care of after a fire is to hire a professional. Contact your local or state preservation office for recommendations.

4. Know that every fire is different.

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Tell the responders that your house is older or historic and any other information that might be helpful. This can keep them safe as well as mitigate damage to your home after the fire is out.

5. Talk to the firemen.

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Once you’re allowed back inside your house, check the roof and each floor for smoke, sparks, or embers, and inspect for structural damage. Emergency responders should do this, but it’s a good idea to check again.

6. Check for smoke, sparks, & embers.

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Get your heating, propane, and water systems tested before using them again. Fire can cause contamination, lead to dangerous chain reactions, or damage filters.

7. Have systems checked.

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Help prevent future damage post-fire -- such as water infiltration from rain, snow, or ice -- by covering roofs, windows, and doorways with temporary tarps.

8. Prevent further damage.

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Brace (or, if you can do so safely, remove) unstable building elements such as walls, ceilings, or chimneys. This will help prevent collapse and give you time while you wait for a professional or figure out next steps.

9. Brace unstable elements.

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Get air flowing throughout the house to remove residual smoke or fumes. Turn on fans and open windows. Take extra caution if there is loose ash or debris that could become airborne and harmful.

10. Get the air flowing.

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Ten on Tuesday features ten preservation tips each week. For more tips, visit blog.PreservationNation.org.