The Warmer Months and Fire Safety | SERVPRO® of The Mountains
6/17/2021 (Permalink)
With the days starting to warm up, it becomes more inviting to spend your days outdoors. When you think of warmer days, you don’t typically think of fires, but when you stop and think, there are actually quite a few spring and summer pleasures that involve fire.
That means an increased fire risk. Did you know that spring sees more daily fires on average than any other time of year? While some fire safety comes as second nature, it’s nice to have a refresher.
What exactly should you pay attention to? Start here:
Fire pits. There’s something about sitting around a fire to help the conversations start flowing! While it seems like a no-brainer, never leave your kids unattended around the fire. It’s also important to keep a bucket of water nearby or drag a water hose close to the pit. You should never add leaves or pine needles to the fire, and finally, put the fire out slowly to avoid scattering embers.
The grill. There’s just something about seeing dear old dad in an apron standing around a grill! The smell of barbecue going is wonderful, but you need to stay mindful that you are working with fire. The combination of flames, heat, grease and gas can make things escalate quickly. Check to make sure the grill is in good working condition, have it placed at least three feet away from everything and clean it before each use. Cleaning the grill before use is the best tip there is, because almost 20% of grill fires are due to poor cleaning.
Chimneys and dryer vents. Some people have fireplaces built into their porch, which makes for a nice setting. But since you probably used it during winter months, be sure have it inspected before next winter. This helps avoid a dangerous buildup of ash and coals. Also, dryer vents tend to get a lot of lint buildup, so while you’re doing maintenance on your chimney, go ahead and clean these vents out as well.
While fire risk is not completely avoidable, being prepared can save you in the long run! If you have fire damage at your home or business, no matter the cause, we are here to help. Contact SERVPRO of The Mountains today to experience the SERVPRO difference.