Seasonal Fire Hazards In Your Home
Fire hazards around the home can change throughout the year. From space heaters in the winter to outdoor grills in the summer, each season introduces different risks. Recognizing these hazards and taking a few basic precautions can help keep your home and family safer form fire hazards year round.
Winter: Heating & Holiday Hazards
Heating: Cold weather means fireplaces, space heaters, and other heating equipment are used more frequently. Keep combustible materials (like curtains, papers, fabrics, etc..) a safe distance from heat sources. It is essential to have a professional regularly inspect fireplaces and chimneys for safety or cleaning. Even when winter storms bring the cold weather you should never leave your portable heater unattended or in operation longer than the manufacturer suggests.
Holidays: Holiday decorations, lights, and overloaded electrical outlets can also create potential fire hazards. Always inspect electrical decorations before use and discard any that show signs of wear or damage. This is the season where extension cords and power strips are often brought out to accommodate additional outlet requirements, so be sure to replace any damaged electrical cords.
Spring: Cleaning & Outdoor Equipment
Spring cleaning is a great opportunity to remove accumulated clutter and potentially combustible materials from garages, basements, and utility areas. Household chemicals, fuels, and other flammable products should always be stored safely and away from ignition sources. These flammable items should also be disposed of in a safe manner in accordance with local regulations.
When bringing lawn equipment back into service, for the season inspect fuel systems, batteries, and electrical components for signs of damage. Always have damaged equipment serviced or repaired by a professional to prevent injury or fire hazards.
Summer: Grills & Outdoor Fires
During warmer months cookouts, fire pits, and other outdoor activities greatly increase fire risks. Keep grills and open flames a safe distance from your home, deck railings, dry vegetation, and other combustible materials. Refer to the manual of your grill to ensure safe use, and have it serviced by a professional or replaced if you suspect any issues that could result in malfunctions.
It doesn’t matter if it’s at a campground or in your backyard, never leave cooking or recreational fires unattended. Always ensure fires are completely extinguished before you leave the area.
Fall: Leaves, Heaters, & Chimneys
As the weather cools down dry leaves and other yard debris can become potential fuel for fire, especially when accumulated near buildings or outdoor equipment. Be sure to regularly clear leaves from any potential areas that could become blocks by leaf buildup and cause a safety concern.
Fall is also a good time to prepare your fireplaces, furnaces, and portable heaters for use in the upcoming cold weather. Inspect heating equipment and address maintenance issues with a professional before they are needed for regular use.
Practice Fire Safety All Year!
No matter the season, basic fire safety should remain a priority to your family. Test smoke alarms regularly, keep appropriate fire extinguishers accessible, inspect electrical cords and appliances, and maintain clear escape routes throughout your home. A little seasonal preparation can go a long way toward identifying potential hazards before they become emergencies but day to day safety management is just as important!