Top Causes For Winter Fires

12/8/2021 (Permalink)

During the winter, there’s always a push to stay as warm & cozy as possible — especially when the temperatures can reach below zero! But the efforts to keep your home or business warm can come at a price, and sometimes, that price can be very costly. As we turn heaters on and light our fireplaces, it’s important to be conscious of what can cause a fire, and how you can prevent them.

Avoid Space Heaters

We know that a centralized form of hot air can be soothing, especially when your little piggies are cold at night. The downside to these units is that they’re very easy to forget about, and if left on too long, can cause a fire. It’s important to make sure that if you MUST use these, they’re on a timer, and unplugged when not in use. Regularly checking the surrounding area for dust and flammable products is another way to prevent a devastating blaze.

Watch Your Outlets

Heated blankets, warming pads and space heaters are all ways to keep warm — and they’re also great ways to use a ton of energy. As your outlets draw more and more power, they can reach a point where they become overworked, which can cause a power surge and a fire. To battle this and prevent it from happening, limit the amount of appliances and electronics that you have plugged in during the day, and always use a surge protector.

Close the Stove

It’s common for many people to bake dinner, dessert, or a midday snack in the oven and use the heat for warmth. While it might seem like a good idea at first, it’s also extremely dangerous. Sure, that heat might be able to warm your surrounding areas, but it can also cause a fire should something uninvited make its way into the oven. In this case, it’s best to let the oven cool down on its own and turn up your thermostat a notch or two.

If you find yourself experiencing a fire, make sure your first step is to get everyone to safety. When it comes to managing the damage, make sure the team you call is professional and swift. SERVPRO of Ronkonkoma is at the ready 24/7, no matter the emergency. To receive assistance for fire damage, give us a call at 631-296-0463.