The Sunshine State is well known for its warm weather and sunny skies, but even Florida isn’t exempt from the occasional cold snap. When the thermometer drops, it’s tempting to turn on the heat and snuggle up inside. However, it’s important to remember that staying warm during the colder days can increase the risk of home fires. Thankfully, by adhering to a few winter fire safety tips, you can keep your property and yourself safe while still enjoying all that Florida winter has to offer.
Winter Fire Safety Tips: What to Know
According to the U.S. Fire Administration, more home fires occur in winter than in any other season. Here’s how you can prevent a fiery disaster on your property.
Wood-Burning Appliances
- Have a chimney? Get it inspected annually and cleaned before firing up a wood stove or fireplace.
- Position flammable objects at least three feet from a wood stove or fireplace.
- Never use flammable liquids to start or accelerate a fire in a fireplace or wood stove.
- Place a glass or metal screen in front of a fireplace to prevent embers or sparks from entering the surrounding area.
- Never use excessive amounts of paper to overbuild a fire in fireplaces. That may ignite the creosote in the chimney.
- Before closing your fireplace damper, check that the ashes are cool. Closing the damper with hot ashes will help the fire heat up again and allow carbon monoxide into your home.
- If you use artificial logs, follow the directions on the package. Use only one synthetic log at a time and never break one apart to quicken the fire.
- Discard cooled ashes in a tightly covered metal container. Store the container outside and away from the house.
Gas Furnace
- Have your furnace inspected to ensure it’s in good working condition.
- Inspect the walls and ceiling near the furnace and along the chimney line. If the wall is hot or discolored, install additional pipe insulation.
- Check that the flue pipe and pipe seams are well-supported and without holes and cracks. Soot along or around seams may signal a leak.
- Keep combustible items away from the heating system.
Other Fire Safety Tips
- Keep portable generators outside, away from windows, and as far away as possible from your home to prevent carbon monoxide buildup.
- Never use a range or an oven for heating. Not only is it a safety hazard, but it can also be a source of carbon monoxide.
- If you use electric heaters, plug only one heater into a wall outlet at a time to avoid overloading the circuit. If you can’t use a wall outlet, use extension cords of a similar size or larger than the heater’s electrical cord.
- Avoid using electric heaters in bathrooms or other areas where water is frequently used.
- Never try to thaw frozen water pipes with a blow torch or other open flame. The pipe could conduct the heat and ignite the wall structure inside the wall space.
- Regularly plan and practice your fire escape plan with your family. Establish two exits in each room.
- Use emergency escape ladders to exit through windows if the primary escape route is blocked.
- If there is a fire hydrant near your home, keep it clear of snow to help the fire department locate it in case of a fire.
Call PuroClean of Downtown Miami for 24/7 Assistance with Winter Fire Damage
Our team of experienced and compassionate experts understands the impact that a fire can have on your home and your life. That’s why we handle all aspects of fire damage, from soot and smoke to structural issues, so you can focus on returning to your routine. Don’t hesitate to reach out to us at (305) 907-7373 if you need help with fire damage remediation in Miami. We’re here to help you feel safe and comfortable in your home.
