24/7 Emergency Service
BEWARE of 10 Things That Can Start a House Fire.
9/28/2020 (Permalink)
Fire Prevention week is Oct 4th- Oct 10th. Visit NFPA.org for more info.
Fall is in full swing so you know what that means? Pumpkin Spice Lattes, Pumpkin Patches, Apple picking, Apple Cider, Pumpkin or Cinnamon scented candles, and all your favorite things about Fall. It’s important to mention that it’s also when the risks for fire in your home can increase because of the upcoming Holiday season. Fire Prevention Week (FPW) is on October 4th – October 10th so we are going to share 10 Things that may cause something just as scary as any of your Halloween costumes this year. HOUSE FIRES.
- Candles – Candles can help create a cozy, mysterious, or romantic atmosphere but don’t let a fire kill the vibe. If you are going to light a candle, do not leave it unattended, put it away from anything flammable and keep it out of reach from your children and pets. We are pro-battery-powered candles. They might not smell Fall-ish but they look just as great!
- Space Heater – If you want to save costs from turning up the furnace and heating the whole house, a space heater might be a good way to do just that. Still, you will have to practice some safety measures. Make sure the wires are healthy, do not plug it into extension cords only directly into an outlet, place it at least 3ft away from anything flammable, do not put anything over the heater, and turn it off and unplug it every time it’s not in use.
- Heating Pad/ Blanket – There is something so great about sleeping with a heated blanket on a cold fall/winter night. Make sure that you connect it directly to an outlet. It’s important to inspect the wires. If it’s damaged, do not use it. Also, make sure that it’s connected properly to the blanket or pad. Turn off and unplug after every use.
- Electrical Cords – Please inspect the wires of all your electrical devices and appliances. Damaged cords can spark up. If you bought or inherited an antique appliance, we advise that you take it to a certified professional who can rewire it, possibly test it and certified for a UL certification (safety organization).
- Fireplaces – Chimneys and fireplaces are a magical thing but so are fire breathing dragons… do you want that in your house? Actually, I would because it’s cool but I definitely don’t want my house to catch on fire. Fireplaces in your home are great but please take safety measures. Before you light up the chimney this season, have a chimney inspection.
- Stove and Oven - This year’s FPW focus is on Kitchen Safety. According to NFPA (National Fire Protection Association), “Cooking is the #1 cause of home fires and home fire injuries.” Do not leave unattended and definitely set a timer for when food is ready or a reminder that you’re cooking.
- Sawdust – Is your husband overtaking your garage because he started a woodworking business during quarantine? Well, you better tell him that he needs to clean up all that sawdust because it’s actually flammable. This might help you keep a tidier and safer workshop.
- Dryer Lint – It is extremely important to clean your lint filter before and after you use your dryer. The heat from the dryer can spark lint on fire and lint is extremely flammable. Dryer vent ductwork should be cleaned out at least every year. Here’s an eye-widening fact from the S Fire Administation, “2,900 home clothes dryer fires are reported each year and can cause an average of 5 deaths, 100 injuries, and $35 million in property loss.”
- Smoking – If you’re a smoker, please smoke cigars, cigarettes, or pipes outside of your home. It is going to be safer that way. Stay alert as you smoke and do not smoke while drowsy or sleepy. Make sure you completely put out the cigarettes in an ashtray or bucket with sand. If you are going to throw ashes away in the trash, put water over it and make sure the ashes are cool. For more safety information, download this Smokers Safety Sheet.
- Grill – The temperature is still nice enough to grill. Remember to always place your grill away from your home or garage. You should not put your grill in your garage or under any porch. Do not leave it unattended and always have a bucket of wire nearby. Store paper towels or cloth towels away from all hot surfaces.
As a restoration company, we clean up after many fire-related disasters and we see how it affects homes and families. We really encourage you to be alert when using any of these items.
Need help figuring out what to do with your home after a fire? Call your Insurance agent and then call us! We can help restore your home “Like it never even happened.”