Fire Safety for the Colder Months | SERVPRO® of Downtown Charleston

12/7/2021 (Permalink)

If a fire issue pops up during the holidays, remember the trusted leader in the recovery industry, SERVPRO of Downtown Charlestown.

Summer is fully in the rear window, Halloween has come and gone, and all eyes are now on the closing weeks of the year—you might even be ready to decorate for the holidays. But keep fire safety at the forefront of whatever you do this fall and upcoming winter.

Let’s run though a few reminders to keep you safe as colder weather sets in.

Campfire and Fire Pit Safety

The weather is still reasonable for some camping adventures, and many homeowners like to build backyard fires this time of year for warmth and recreation.

Your fire needs a 25-foot clearance from any tents or other structures. Ignite your fire only with old-school tools like matches or a lighter—kerosene or lighter fluid may get things going quickly, but they can get out of control just as quickly.

Always ensure that any fire is tended by an adult at all times. Keep a water bucket nearby for any errant embers or flames, and use it to properly douse any and all embers when your fire is finished. You’re not ready to leave the fire for the night until it’s cool to the touch and no embers are left glowing.

Space Heaters

For the crisp mornings while you sip your pumpkin-spice coffee at your home office (or really anytime for the cold-natured among us), portable space heaters are a great solution to save energy but still provide some extra warmth. But they are also one of the most frequent causes of winter fires, so be careful to use them properly and turn them off when they’re not needed.

Keep all heaters at least three feet from anything that could catch fire. Never run space heaters in areas where children play, or they may get tipped over. And space heaters draw a surprisingly high amount of power, so avoid extension cords or only use cords properly rated for their use.

Consider upgrading to a newer model with extended safety features, and never, ever leave your space heater running while you go to sleep.

Decorations and String Lights

When you’re decorating for the holidays, it’s important to be aware of the presence of candles and their proximity to any decorations or wrapping paper. Whether it’s Advent candles, a menorah or something else, keep anything flammable at least three feet away.

When stringing lights or putting up a tree, upgrade to modern LED bulbs that draw less power—older lights can present a strain on your home’s electrical system, causing shorts and sparks, especially if left on for long periods. Turn off any lighting decor when not in use.

Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

Deaths related to carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning rise in winter because more heat sources are being used, and the incomplete burning of fuel creates the toxic gas. Always be sure your home and heat sources are well-ventilated, and that you have a CO alarm installed at home.

If you use a generator during power outages, make sure you run it outside, never indoors or in the garage, as it creates an acute CO hazard.

If a fire hazard should threaten to ruin your holiday season, remember the trusted leader in the recovery industry and contact SERVPRO to get your property fully restored.