Safety & Prevention for Your Home

WATER DAMAGE PREVENTION & FIRE SAFETY IN SPOKANE

Practical Steps to Protect Your Home Before Disaster Strikes

When it comes to water and fire damage, the most affordable and least stressful restoration job is the one that never has to happen. At ServiceMaster by Compass, we see every day how quickly a small leak or a forgotten pan on the stove can turn into major damage. That's why we're just as committed to prevention and safety as we are to restoration.

This Safety & Prevention guide is designed for Spokane and North Idaho homeowners who want clear, practical steps to reduce the risk of water and fire damage. We'll walk you through common causes of damage in our region, simple DIY checks you can do in under an hour, and when it's time to call in a professional. Think of it as a game plan to protect your home, your belongings, and your peace of mind.

UNDERSTANDING WATER DAMAGE RISKS AT HOME

Why Water Damage Is So Common in Spokane Homes

Between winter freezes, aging plumbing, and basements that like to collect moisture, water damage is one of the most common issues we're called out to handle. The challenge with water is that it doesn't just "get things wet"—it seeps into building materials, weakens structures, and creates the perfect environment for mold growth if it's not addressed quickly and correctly.

The most frequent sources of water damage we see include:

• Burst or frozen pipes during cold snaps
• Leaking water heaters, washing machines, dishwashers, or ice maker lines
• Basement or crawlspace seepage after heavy rain or snowmelt
• Clogged or damaged gutters that send water straight to your foundation
• Slow, hidden leaks in walls, under sinks, or around showers and tubs

The good news? Most of these issues give you small warning signs before they turn into full-blown disasters. The key is knowing where to look—and what not to ignore.

Simple Signs You Should Never Ignore

• New stains on ceilings or walls that seem to grow or darken
• Soft, spongy, or warped areas in flooring near sinks, dishwashers, or tubs
• A musty or "damp basement" smell that doesn't go away
• Efflorescence (white, chalky residue) on foundation walls
• Unexpected increases in your water bill with no obvious reason

If you're seeing these signs now, you may already have an active leak or moisture issue. That's the time to act—before mold and structural damage complicate the situation.

PREVENTING WATER DAMAGE BEFORE IT STARTS

High-Impact Maintenance Tasks for Homeowners

You don't have to overhaul your whole house to reduce water damage risk. A few targeted habits and seasonal checks go a long way. Here are some of the most effective prevention steps you can take as a homeowner:

• Test and learn your main water shutoff. Make sure everyone in the home knows where it is and how to turn it off in an emergency.
• Inspect visible plumbing twice a year. Check under sinks, behind toilets, and around appliances for drips, corrosion, and swollen or cracked supply lines.
• Clean gutters and downspouts seasonally. Keep water flowing away from your roof and foundation, not into your basement.
• Test your sump pump. Pour water into the pit to confirm it turns on and pumps out correctly—especially before spring thaw.
• Replace old rubber hoses. Upgrade washing machine and dishwasher supply lines to braided stainless-steel lines as recommended by the manufacturer.

Using Technology to Catch Leaks Early

Smart leak detectors and automatic shutoff valves are becoming more affordable and can dramatically reduce the amount of damage from a leak. Strategically placed, they act like round-the-clock lookouts in the highest-risk areas of your home.

• Place leak sensors under sinks, near the water heater, behind the washing machine, and under refrigerator or dishwasher lines.
• Consider an automatic shutoff valve on your main line that can close when a major leak is detected.
• Test batteries and Wi-Fi connectivity on a set schedule (for example, at the start of each season).

PROTECTING PIPES DURING SPOKANE WINTERS

How to Reduce the Risk of Frozen or Burst Pipes

Our cold winters are tough on plumbing systems—especially in unheated crawlspaces, garages, and exterior walls. When water freezes inside a pipe, it expands and can cause the pipe to crack or burst, sending gallons of water into your home once it thaws.

Before the first hard freeze, walk through your home and:

• Identify pipes that run through unheated or poorly insulated areas.
• Add foam pipe insulation or heat tape where recommended.
• Disconnect and drain outdoor hoses and shut off exterior hose bibs if possible.
• Keep cabinet doors under sinks slightly open on very cold nights to let warm air circulate.
• During extreme cold, allow faucets on vulnerable runs to drip slightly to keep water moving.

If you turn on a faucet and only get a trickle during cold weather, you may have a frozen section of pipe. Turn off the water, avoid using open flames to thaw anything, and consider contacting a professional before the pipe fails.

FIRE SAFETY BASICS EVERY HOME NEEDS

Three Layers of Defense: Detection, Suppression & Escape

Fire safety at home comes down to three main layers working together:

• Detection: Smoke alarms that wake you up and give you time to react.
• Suppression: The right fire extinguishers in the right locations for small, controllable fires.
• Escape: A simple, practiced plan so everyone knows how to get out quickly and safely.

Smoke Alarms: Placement, Testing & Replacement

Working smoke alarms cut the risk of dying in a home fire significantly. But they only help if they're installed correctly and maintained.

• Install alarms inside every bedroom, outside each sleeping area, and on every level of your home (including the basement).
• Test alarms monthly using the test button, and replace batteries at least once a year unless using sealed 10-year models.
• Replace the alarm units themselves according to manufacturer guidelines—typically every 8–10 years.
• Consider interconnected alarms so when one sounds, they all do.

Fire Extinguishers: What to Buy and Where to Put Them

A fire extinguisher can be invaluable for small, contained fires— but you need the right type, in the right place, and you should never put yourself at risk to save property.

• Choose a multi-purpose class ABC extinguisher for general home use.
• Mount extinguishers where they are visible and easy to reach: the kitchen, near the garage or mechanical room, and close to an exit.
• Check the pressure gauge monthly and ensure the pin and tamper seal are intact.
• Learn and teach the PASS method: Pull, Aim, Squeeze, Sweep.

If a fire is spreading quickly, producing heavy smoke, or blocking your exit, do not attempt to fight it. Evacuate immediately and call 911.

PREVENTING KITCHEN, ELECTRICAL & WILDFIRE-RELATED FIRES

Staying Safe in the Kitchen

Cooking is one of the leading causes of home fires. The most common culprit? Unattended cooking on the stovetop.

• Stay in the kitchen when frying, grilling, or broiling food.
• Keep flammable items like towels, paper products, and curtains away from the stovetop.
• Clean grease from stovetops, ovens, and range hoods regularly.
• Keep a lid nearby to smother small pan fires—slide it on and turn off the burner. Never throw water on a grease fire.

Electrical and Heating Safety

Older wiring, overloaded circuits, and space heaters can all become fire hazards if not used carefully.

• Avoid daisy-chaining power strips or overloading outlets.
• Replace damaged or frayed cords immediately.
• Keep space heaters at least three feet away from anything that can burn, and never run them unattended or while you sleep.
• Have an electrician evaluate frequent breaker trips, flickering lights, or warm outlets.

Wildfire Season Considerations for Spokane-Area Homes

During wildfire season, ember showers and poor air quality add a new layer of risk, even if the flames are miles away.

• Create defensible space by clearing dry vegetation and debris away from structures.
• Clean roofs and gutters of dry leaves and pine needles.
• Screen exterior vents with appropriate mesh to reduce ember intrusion.
• Prepare a simple "go bag" and know local evacuation routes and alert systems.

HOW SERVICEMASTER BY COMPASS SUPPORTS PREVENTION & SAFETY

Prevention-Focused Inspections & Consultations

As a local restoration company, we don't just show up after something goes wrong—we also help homeowners spot risks before they turn into emergencies. Our team can walk your home with a restoration-focused eye and point out:

• Plumbing and appliance setups that are more likely to fail
• Basement, crawlspace, and drainage issues that increase flood risk
• Fire safety gaps, from missing alarms to extinguisher placement
• Seasonal vulnerabilities related to winter freezes or wildfire conditions

From there, we can recommend practical upgrades, maintenance routines, and, when needed, professional services to help you lower your overall risk.

24/7 Emergency Mitigation When Prevention Isn't Enough

Even with great prevention, accidents and unexpected failures can still happen. When they do, fast, professional mitigation makes a huge difference in how much the loss ultimately costs and how long you're displaced from your home.

• Rapid response for water extraction and structural drying
• Smoke and soot cleanup to protect surfaces and indoor air quality
• Mold remediation when moisture has been present too long
• Coordination through the restoration and reconstruction phases

Our technicians follow industry-standard procedures to help minimize secondary damage and protect as much of your home and belongings as possible.

Helping You Navigate Insurance Claims

Insurance paperwork and adjuster visits can feel overwhelming, especially when you're already dealing with a stressful event. ServiceMaster by Compass can help document the damage, explain recommended mitigation steps, and provide the information your insurance carrier needs to process your claim.

While we don't decide what your policy will cover, we do work to make the process clearer and less overwhelming so you can focus on getting life back to normal.

SAFETY & PREVENTION FAQ

How Often Should I Test Smoke Detectors?

Test smoke detectors once a month and note the date somewhere simple, like your phone or a home maintenance checklist. Replace the batteries at least once a year, and replace the units themselves according to the manufacturer's guidelines, or any time they fail a test or show signs of malfunction.

How Quickly Can Mold Start After Water Damage?

Under the right conditions, mold can begin to grow within 24–48 hours of a water intrusion. That's why it's critical to start drying and dehumidifying as soon as possible after a leak, overflow, or flood—especially in basements and other low-vented areas. If you see visible mold, smell a persistent musty odor, or have a large affected area, it's time to bring in professionals.

When Should I Call a Professional Instead of Handling It Myself?

DIY is great for small, early-stage issues—like tightening a loose fitting or cleaning out gutters. Call a professional when:

• Water has affected multiple rooms, levels, or your basement.
• You're dealing with sewage, contaminated water, or strong odors.
• Smoke has traveled beyond the original fire area.
• You see visible mold growth larger than a minor patch.
• You're unsure what building materials are wet or how far the damage extends.

In those situations, having trained, certified technicians on your side helps protect both your home and your health.

Whether you're just starting to think about prevention or you're dealing with an active water or fire emergency, ServiceMaster by Compass is here to help you plan, prepare, and recover with confidence.