Home Fire Safety Tips For The North Dallas Winter Season

12/29/2017 (Permalink)

Winter is the most wonderful time of the year. However, winter is also the most dangerous times of the year for home fires, as half of all home heating fires occur in December, January, and February. Before you turn up the heat to stay cozy and warm, read over our list of essential winter fire safety tips to keep you and your home safe this winter.

Space Heaters

Heating is the second leading cause of all U.S. home fires, and space heaters are the type of equipment most involved in these fires. Space heaters and other heat-producing appliances should never be left on or plugged in when no one is home, and only one appliance should be plugged into an electrical outlet at a time. Keep anything that can be burned at least three feet away from all heat sources, including fireplaces, wood stoves, radiators, as well as space heaters.

Carbon Monoxide

Carbon monoxide is called “the invisible killer” for a good reason, as the odorless and colorless gas is extremely hazardous and more common in the winter than any other time of year. The poisonous gas is created when fuels like gasoline, wood, coal, or propane do not burn. Heating and cooking equipment can be potential sources of carbon monoxide, and every home should take the necessary precautions against the invisible gas. Be sure to have a carbon monoxide detector in your home and test the alarm at least once a month- and of course, have fire alarms throughout your home and test those often as well.

Generators

While generators are useful during power outages caused by winter storms, improper use of them can be very dangerous. Portable generators can lead to carbon monoxide poisoning, electrical shock, or a fire hazard if misused. Your portable generator should be kept outside- as far away from your home as possible- and away from any windows, doors, and vent opening. Also, turn off the generator and let it cool down before refueling- never refuel while it is running.

Chimneys And Vents

A qualified professional should be cleaning and inspecting your chimney and vents every year before you start lighting your fireplace. Be sure to use dry, seasoned wood when lighting your fire to produce more flame and less smoke. Also, store your cooled ashes in a tightly covered metal container, placed outside at least ten feet from your home and neighboring buildings.

SERVPRO of Metrocrest responds quickly offering a full line of fire cleanup and restoration services to help you return home as soon as possible. Before risking further damage by attempting to clean up the damage yourself, call the fire damage clean up and restoration professionals at (972) 233-8400.