Fall Fire Safety

10/15/2019 (Permalink)

Taking up dry leaves from around your home is a safety measure

1. October is dedicated to reminding us about fires and the importance of fire safety. It is deemed Fire Prevention Month.  As summer and its heat make way for fall and its cooler temperatures, it is a good time to ensure that we are prepared to protect our property best we can during the next season.

With cooler temperatures comes heat. Heat sources that is. We must turn on or light up a heat source in our homes, our offices and our business locations. It is important to remember that many heating systems require regular service. While the heating systems today are much safer than those in the past, there are still fire hazards and other risks that come with being warm in the cooler months. It is best to have your heating system serviced annually by a qualified technician.  By having someone qualified check out your system, you can ensure it’ll perform as it should which is the best way to guarantee safety in your home. It is also the best way to ensure that your system won’t cut out and quit working for you in the middle of a cold harsh season.

If using a fireplace or a portable heater, other risks are associated. Prior to the cooler weather is the time to check your flu and to have your chimney properly cleaned by a professional prior to use. Always make sure that fireplaces are covered with screens when lit. This is not only to try and prevent anyone from playing with the fire, but also so that if your fire is woodburning, lit ash or sparking wood pieces cannot escape the fireplace. Do not ever leave a lit fireplace unattended.  For portable heaters make sure to keep them away from any items, furniture and clothing. Do not ever leave them on unattended.

If it’s time to change your clock, then it’s time to change your batteries. Daylight savings time is a perfect time to change your smoke detector batteries. If your smoke detectors are older than 10 years old, it is time to replace them. If you do not have smoke detectors, it is now time to install them throughout your home. There should be one smoke detector on each story within your home, including in your basement. It is also recommended that one be in each bedroom and hallway.

Remove dry leaves at least once a week from around your home. Dry leaves can easily catch fire should sparks fly from a nearby fire pit or a tossed cigarette. If your area has not received rain in a few days, then even though your lawn may be browning due to the cooler temperatures, water your lawn around your home to keep it from drying out. Keeping the ground outside your home from drying out, can help to prevent any fires outside your home from spreading to your home.

If your home experiences any fire damage, then call us at SERVPRO of Greensboro North. We are here for you 24/7 and 365 days a year at 336-379-1772.