As the weather cools down, many homeowners in Hatfield, Lansdale, Norristown, and the surrounding areas look for ways to keep warm in their homes. However, with this often comes unsuspecting fire hazards. Make sure your home is protected against fire risks by familiarizing yourself with these common fall fire hazards and getting ahead of them this fall.
In this blog, our fire restoration experts at Paul Davis Restoration of Montgomery & Berks County cover essential fire prevention tips to help you stay safe this fall and winter.
1. Heating Systems & Space Heaters
When the temperatures drop during a Pennsylvania winter, homeowners first turn to their home heating systems. While these systems are essential for your comfort and safety, they are also a leading cause of house fires when they are not maintained well. To make sure your heater doesn’t put your family at risk, reach out to a professional HVAC company to schedule a pre-season inspection and tune-up.
If you also supplement your home’s heating system with space heaters, it’s important to exercise caution. Space heaters are great for staying warm and cozy, but they are highly risky when used incorrectly. Space heaters should be placed on a flat, stable surface, and always keep them at least three feet away from curtains, furniture, bedding, or other flammable surfaces. Never leave a space heater unattended, and do not leave it running for long stretches of time.
2. Fireplaces & Chimney Buildup
Few things provide a cozier atmosphere than a fireplace. To enjoy the warmth and comfort of your fireplace while maintaining home fire safety, make sure to schedule an annual chimney cleaning and inspection service. To reduce soot buildup that can be a fire hazard, you should only use seasoned wood. Also, it’s helpful to install a spark guard, and you should always keep the area around the fireplace clear.
3. Candles & Seasonal Decorations
Holiday lights, candles, and décor are staples of the season, but they can increase your home’s fire risk if they are not handles with care. Never leave a burning candle unattended, and don’t let your candle burn for longer than four hours. For lights, make sure you are not overloading your outlets to get everything plugged in. Also, look for any signs of fraying or damage on cords before plugging in any lights or décor. If the cords are damaged, you should not be using them.
4. Electrical Overloads
Between space heaters, holiday lights, and electronic devices, the colder seasons can put your outlets and your electrical system to the test. To help with electrical fire prevention, avoid using too many high-wattage devices on one outlet or extension cord. You should also avoid “daisy chaining.” This refers to plugging in power strips or extension cords into other power strips or extension cords, effectively creating a chain. This practice increases the risk of an electrical fire.
If you live in an older home and your electrical panel or wiring hasn’t been upgraded, consider scheduling a professional inspection with an electrician. They can recommend power and safety upgrades to improve your home fire safety and prevent fire hazards from dated electrical systems.
5. Cooking & Kitchen Fires
Before cooking up your Thanksgiving feast, make sure you are prepared to do so safely. Kitchen fires are one of the most common types of residential fires throughout the year, so following a couple of safety tips can help you avoid disaster. Make sure to never leave food unattended on the stove, and always set timers for food in ovens or toasters. Flammable items, such as dish towels and paper products, should always be kept away from stoves and burners. Also, regularly clean your stovetop and oven to address grease and other buildup.
What To Do After a Fire
Even with the best safety measures in place and following all fire prevention tips, fires can still happen. If one occurs, it’s important to be prepared and have a plan ahead of time, so that you don’t have to figure out what to do during the stress of the aftermath.
Fortunately, for homeowners in Montgomery and Berks County, Paul Davis is here to help. After the fire has been put out, make our team your next call. We are here for you 24/7, providing expert smoke damage cleanup and fire damage restoration services. We can arrive at your home quickly to assess the scope of the damage and get the restoration process started as soon as possible.
If you need fire damage restoration services or have questions about fall fire hazards to look out for, contact Paul Davis today. We proudly serve homeowners throughout Montgomery & Berks County, including in Hatfield, Lansdale, and Norristown.
