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Practicing prevention is the best way to reduce the chance of a fire, however if you do experience a loss contact SERVPRO of La Puente/City of Industr
12/9/2019 (Permalink)
Reasons for Winter Fires
Preventing fires is always a wise safety measure to undertake, but brushing up on your fire facts in the winter is especially wise. Even in areas that do not experience extreme cold, winter is the most common time for house fires and it is important to know the why and how of preventing them.
An Increase in Cooking
Fires are most often caused by cooking incidents during any season, but the conditions in the winter months make them especially likely to start. Because many people cook each day, it can be easy to fall into unsafe patterns that can lead to a fire’s beginnings.
The Risk of Heaters
Even in mild winter weather, having a way to generate heat can be nice, as long as it is done safely. The second most common cause of winter fires is unsafe heating practices. Making sure to invest in portable heaters with safety features and keeping flammable items away from a fireplace or woodstove will reduce the likelihood that an accident could happen.
Candles and Decorations
Holiday decorations can bring about a festive air, but not every decoration is safe. Many electrical decorative pieces are only used once per year, causing their electrical components to deteriorate and cause a fire hazard. Additionally, candles always pose an increased fire risk as it is possible for the flame to travel to other nearby objects.
The frequency of winter fires makes prevention all the more important during the shorter days. Understanding why fires are caused most frequently in the winter and taking note of these fire prevention tips is the best way to keep your household safe:
- Check smoke alarms once every 30 days and replace every 10 years.
- Always monitor open flames.
- Select space heaters with automatic shut-offs in case they tip over.
- Utilize a screen every time you use a fireplace.
- Draft and practice an emergency escape plan with your household.
If your home has been impacted by a fire, call us right away. We are leaders in restoration and can help you recover quickly after a fire occurs.