Fire Up Your Summer - Not Your Home

7/5/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Clifton Wishes You a Happy and Safe Summer 973-928-3705

Summertime Fire Safety Tips

Are you going on summer vacation this season? Do you enjoy roasting marshmallows by the campfire on those chilly summer nights? Nothing’s better than a summer filled with fun activities, but it is important to be aware of fire hazards and the various risks that come with them.  For instance, did you know that in the United States alone approximately 5,000 homes and forests are destroyed by fire every day during the summer season? It is vital to be prepared and learn the numerous ways in which you can prevent a fire from ruining your summer.

Here are a few easy fire safety tips that you can implement while still enjoying your summer activities.

Campfire Safety

Whether you’re on a camping trip or in your backyard, making s’mores and telling scary stories by the campfire is one of the best ways to end a summer night. Unfortunately, if campfires aren’t controlled properly they can be extremely dangerous. Follow these fire safety tips the next time you decide to have a campfire.

• Build the campfire where it won’t spread. Don’t build under hanging tree branches or near grassy areas and dry leaves.
• Keep lighter fluid far away from the campfire as stray flames might ignite the fluid.
• If a tent is nearby, make sure that you place the fire downwind from the tent.
• Large campfires might be visually appealing, but they aren’t safe. Keep the fire small, so you can control it.
• Never leave the fire unattended. Always properly put the fire out before leaving the premises.
• Extinguish the fire by pouring water on it and use a shovel to bury the fire with ashes and dirt.

Summer Travel

Summer is the perfect time to take a trip with your family or friends, but if you don’t take the proper precautions your house could catch fire while you’re away. This is a frightening thought, but it can easily be prevented by following these fire safety tips. 

• Make sure that your smoke and carbon monoxide alarms work properly.
• Unplug all electronics and appliances (computers, window air conditioners, etc.). 1 in 10 home fires are caused by an electronical malfunction.
• Never let a cord run under rugs or furniture especially if the wire is torn.
• Put a timer on your house lights to be on at night. Suspicious fires can come from vandalism to a home while the homeowners and residents are out of town.

Outdoor safety

• Position grills at least 10 feet away from your home, and never place under low hanging tree branches or plants. When disposing of hot coals, drench them with water to make sure the fire is out.

• Obey burn bans. Never burn trash, leaves, or brush outdoors if there is a burn ban. If you can burn these items, have a water source readily available.
• Store flammable liquids such as gasoline, poisons, and other flammables safely outdoors. If possible, store them in a building not connected to your home.
• Use caution when parking vehicles on dry grass or brush as a hot exhaust could start a fire.

Indoor safety

• Replace your AC air filters regularly and never use an extension cord for a window AC unit.

• Keep the stove clean. Grease build-up can trigger a fire when contact with heat or a flame is made.

• Inspect your attic or basement for damaged wires. Rodents and insects can chew on and damage wiring, which can lead to an electrical fire.

• Take power surges and blown fuses in your home seriously. Flickering lights or occasional power

• surges could indicate a short somewhere in your home. Have it checked by an electrician.

Personal choices

• Have cigarette smokers take it outside. Provide sand-filled containers to place cigarette butts, and make sure butts are completely extinguished.

• Develop a family fire escape plan and practice it once a month so everyone in the household knows what to do in case of fire.

• Install smoke detectors in your home and test them monthly. Replace batteries at least once a year.

By knowing and practicing summer fire safety tips, you can enjoy many wonderful time this season filled with fun, happiness and safety.

HAPPY SUMMER FROM,

SERVPRO of Clifton ~ 973-928-3705