Autumn Fire Safety Tips

10/7/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Western Lancaster believes fall is more fun when everyone is safe!

As the temperatures get cooler and leaves begin to change color and drop, it is important to refresh your memory on fall fire safety tips. With proper precautions and fire safety awareness, you can enjoy that crisp autumn weather, while avoiding some of the dangers that come with the season. SERVPRO® of Western Lancaster is Here to Help™ prepare you and your family:

Safety Tip 1 – Check Your Smoke Detector Batteries

• It is best practice to change the batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors every Autumn and Spring, when you set your clocks forward/backward. It is also a good idea to make sure your household has at least one ABC fire extinguisher, and that it is properly charged and inspected each year.

Safety Tip 2 – Be Cautious When Heating Your Home

1. Central Heating

• Before using your central heating system each year, ensure that the system has been cleaned, inspected, and serviced by a certified HVAC technician.

2. Space Heaters

• Ensure that space heaters have at least three feet of empty space around them.
• NEVER place clothing, or any other objects, on a space heater to dry.
• Do NOT place space heaters near furniture, curtains, of blankets.
• ALWAYS turn space heaters off when you leave your house or go to bed.
• Avoid storing any combustible items near heaters.

3. Fireplace Safety Tips

• Have a professional inspect your chimney and fireplace each year.
• Have a professional clean out your chimney every fall.
• If needed, repair any cracks in fireplaces.
• Use fireplace screens to keep sparks and fire debris inside the fireplace.
• NEVER use gasoline to start a fire in the fireplace.
• NEVER leave a fire unattended.
• Make sure that combustible materials are not stored within three feet of your fireplace.

Safety Tip 3 – Educate Your Family

• Establish a fire escape plan with your family that includes a designated meeting area outside the home.
• It is recommended that every bedroom is equipped with a smoke detector.
• Test smoke detectors on a monthly basis. Change batteries twice a year.
• Ensure everyone in your family knows how to use a fire extinguisher.
• Do not place lit candles where they can be reached by pets or children.
• NEVER leave burning candles unattended.
• Do not leave food unattended while cooking on the stove.

Safety Tip 4 – Practice Outdoor Fire Safety

• Clear your roof and gutters of debris.
• Learn the outdoor burning regulations in your area, and do not engage in illegal burning of leaves and other outdoor debris.
• Never leave a bonfire unattended.
• Always ensure that fires are put out before going to bed.

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SERVPRO® of Western Lancaster believes there is nothing more important than the safety of you and your family. Everyone in your home needs to know how to behave responsibly to reduce the likelihood of a fire in your household. If your family has experience fire or smoke damage, call our Team of professionals at 717-665-1270. We make the effort to restore your home “Like it never even happened,” as soon as possible.