3 Fire Prevention Tips for Fall & Winter

11/2/2021 (Permalink)

We generally stay indoors when it's chilly outside, but that also means your home has an increased chance of having a fire!

Did you know that most home fires occur during fall and winter? In fact, the peak months are December and January. Fires occur more frequently during these periods for several reasons, but it’s generally because people start using heating equipment and tend to be home more often. Fortunately, there are a few things you can do to lower your home’s risk of having a fire!

Protect Your Home From Fire Damages

1. Keep heating equipment away from flammable objects. Space heaters, candles, fireplaces, and other heat sources are also some of the most common fire starters. In many cases, they’re kept too close to Christmas trees, curtains, and other flammable items, which then catch fire. If you opt to use any heating equipment, keep them at least 3 feet away from other objects — especially if they’re flammable!

2. Don’t leave your kitchen unattended. Cooking-related fires are the most common types of home fires. These fires can be instigated in a number of ways, but they often get out of control because the kitchen isn’t being monitored. We know holiday cooking is a favorite pastime for many, but always make sure somebody is present in the kitchen while it’s in use!

3. Don’t put too many plugs into an outlet. When people are home, they tend to use their electronics. This generally isn’t much of an issue, but when too many plugs are put into the same outlet, it can cause the outlet to overheat and catch fire. Use caution when using power strips or when plugging in high-voltage devices!

Cleaning Up After House Fires

At SERVPRO of Iredell County, we’ve seen how destructive fires can be. Homes can be lost, valued possessions can be destroyed, and peace of mind can be disrupted. We hope that you’ll be safe and practice fire safety in the upcoming seasons, but if something were to happen, know that our fire restoration experts are available 24/7!