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Tips for a Toasty and Fire-Safe Winter Season | SERVPRO of Buffalo/Tonawanda
1/16/2024 (Permalink)
Fire safety is a top priority for us at SERVPRO of Buffalo/Tonawanda this winter. Keep your home safe with these helpful tips!
The winter season in the Buffalo area sure is a dynamic one! We are always prepared for intense snowstorms, high winds and sub-zero temperatures, which means that all of us are spending much more time indoors as a result.
As you start fires or turn on space heaters in order to stay warm, your risk of suffering a house fire goes up. We want you to avoid starting a serious fire this winter, so check out our tips below for staying safe without sacrificing your comfort.
We can all appreciate the ambiance and warmth that a fireplace can bring, but they are also the source of hundreds of uncontrolled house fires. Properly cleaning and preparing your fireplace is key to your safety. Clean out ash buildup and creosote on your chimney walls and inspect the bricks for signs of wear-and-tear or cracking.
Reduce the amount of flammable materials in your room, especially near the fireplace opening and the mantle. The room that your fireplace is in should have a smoke detector, so check it regularly and replace the batteries as needed. If your fireplace is electric or gas, you need to be checking the lines regularly for leaks and consider installing a carbon monoxide alarm next to your fireplace.
Space heaters are a convenient way to stay warm, but that convenience is also what makes them dangerous from time to time. In fact, space heater mishaps cause 1,700 house fires every year.
Set yourself up for success by setting up your heater on a level, nonflammable surface that is far away from things like curtains or cushions.
You should also create a three-foot barrier around your heater to keep out kids and pets and be sure the cord is laying flat against the ground to avoid tripping hazards. Never leave your space heater on while it is unattended, and always turn it off and unplug it before going to bed.
Not every space heater is a good choice for you. Just because one is on sale or you can get one for really cheap doesn’t necessarily mean it is a good deal! Do your research before buying anything and always read reviews.
First, focus on choosing a company that is reliable and that has passed all safety certifications. Newer models of space heaters can also come with emergency shutoff switches that are programmed to turn the heater off after a certain period of time. This switch can come in handy if you forget to turn yours off at the end of the night and is definitely a safety feature worth including in your requirements for purchase.
In addition, you should take some time to inspect the cord that would power the heater. It should be sturdy, well-made and at least six feet long. This distance allows you to set up your heater in a safe location away from walls or furniture.
Stay toasty warm out there, everyone! If you do end up suffering from fire damage this winter, call SERVPRO of Buffalo/Tonawanda right away so we can handle your entire restoration.
A quick fire damage restoration is just a phone call away. Call SERVPRO for immediate assistance.