Fall Fire Safety: Falling Leaves, Rising Concerns

The beauty of fall is undeniable–the colors of the trees changing, the crisp air, and the cozy atmosphere. It’s a time to sip warm drinks and snuggle up in blankets. While the season’s delight captivates, don’t lose sight of safety! With Halloween decorations out and space heaters in use, taking fall fire safety precautions is important. We don’t want to dampen the enchantment of fall with a dangerous situation. So, remember to be vigilant: check smoke detectors, use portable heaters safely, and keep decorations away from heat sources. By taking these simple precautions, we can create a beautiful and safe fall season for all. Remember, it’s better to be safe than sorry!

Fall Fire Safety Tips

• Change Smoke/Carbon Detector Batteries and Test the Alarms. Changing your smoke and carbon monoxide detector batteries is a big part of fall fire safety. This ensures the alarms don’t fail when you turn the heat on in your home. Don’t forget to test the smoke alarms after inserting the new batteries. Check that all fire extinguishers in your home are also in working order.
• ThoroughlyCheck and Service Your Heating Units:
  • Have your HVAC system inspected, cleaned, and serviced by a certified HVAC contractor. Check and replace furnace filters with high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters. 
  • If you use space heaters, keep at least three feet of space around them. Don’t place fabrics on space heaters to dry, as they are flammable and can spark a fire. Always turn the heaters off when going to bed. 
  • Prefer to rely on your fireplace instead? Hire a professional chimney sweep to inspect and clean your chimney before starting the season’s first fire. Keep flammable objects at least three feet away from the fireplace and place a mesh metal screen around it. If children and pets are in your household, ensure they don’t get too close to the fireplace.

• Halloween Safety. Can’t wait to decorate your home and plan scary costumes for Halloween? Remember that fall fire safety comes first. Arrange decorations away from open flames and other heat sources, and use battery-operated lights instead of candles in jack-o-lanterns. We strongly advise you not to use real candles to decorate your home and instead opt for flameless candles or other alternative light sources.
• Outdoor Fire Risks. As leaves and other flammable debris accumulate around your home, practice good fall fire safety action and make it a habit to remove them periodically. Prune trees and rake up leaves and twigs. Clear your roof, gutters, and downspouts of debris, and remove remaining fuel from lawnmowers before storing them for winter. Store excess gasoline in leak-proof containers and out of children’s reach, preferably in a detached garage or shed. 
• Create a Fire Escape Plan. And be sure to review it often! Emergency preparedness is key. If a fire breaks out unexpectedly, you and members of your household will know what to do. Designate an escape route for each area of your home and establish a meeting place outside. When conducting a mock fire escape, practice exiting low to the ground to avoid smoke inhalation. 

When You Need Fire Damage Support, Call PuroClean of Springfield

A property fire can be one of the most traumatic events you will ever face. It can leave you feeling overwhelmed, both emotionally and physically. Even after the flames have been extinguished, the aftermath can be exhausting. At PuroClean of Springfield, we have a professional team specializing in fire damage restoration in Sterling. We take pride in our work and are committed to restoring your property to its pre-loss condition, eliminating all traces of soot or smoke damage. We’re here to provide you with the support you need, so pick up the phone and call us anytime, day or night, at (703) 334-0410.