Dangers of Smoke Inhalation
3/11/2019 (Permalink)
Home fires are one of the most frightening things that a family can experience. As a homeowner in South Florida, it is important to think about the potential for a home fire and what you and your family would do in that emergency situation. Does your family have an evacuation plan? If not, it’s time to start thinking about a fire escape plan. Far too many people underestimate the dangers associated with home fires, especially small home fires.
If a small fire occurs in your home, you may be tempted to run back inside to grab important personal items. While this may seem harmless, the reality is that smoke inhalation is extremely dangerous. So, even if the fire is small and contained, running back into the area where smoke is present can be a major risk to your health. A gas and fine particle mixture is what makes up smoke, and these elements can be a big health threat.
Some people are more susceptible to health issues related to smoke inhalation and should be extra careful to avoid exposure. For instance, older adults, children, pregnant women, and anyone with preexisting heart or respiratory conditions are more likely to get sick. Some of the immediate effects of smoke inhalation include:
- Coughing
- Runny nose
- Issues breathing normally
- Rapid heartbeat
- Chest pain
- Stinging eyes
- Headaches
- Scratchy throat
- Fatigue
- Sinus issues
- Asthma attack
- Wheezing
If your home has suffered from fire damage of any size, SERVPRO of North Palm Beach County can help. Our fire and smoke damage restoration team will get to work quickly in restoring your home to its previous condition. From smoke to soot to fire, this type of damage should be addressed immediately to reduce property damage. Contact us today to learn more!