When the weather gets warmer, friends and families tend to spend more time outdoors. However, it's important to remember that summer brings an increased risk of wildfires and house fires due to dry conditions and increased outdoor activities. To help prevent fires, here are some tips to keep in mind during the summer:
1. Practice Safe Outdoor Cooking:
When grilling or cooking outdoors, make sure you do it in a safe and designated spot that's far away from anything flammable.
Make sure you always keep an eye on the grill or cooking area and never leave it alone.
Make sure you toss out those charcoal and ashes properly! Put them in a metal container and let them cool down completely before getting rid of them.
2. Be Cautious with Campfires:
It is important to follow local regulations and guidelines for campfire safety.
Choose a safe location for the campfire away from overhanging branches, dry grass, or other flammable materials.
Keep the campfire small and manageable, and never leave it unattended.
Always remember to completely extinguish the campfire before leaving the area or going to sleep.
3. Properly Maintain and Store Flammable Materials:
Clear dead leaves, debris, and flammable vegetation from around your property.
Trim tree branches that are close to buildings and remove any dead vegetation.
Store flammable materials, such as gasoline and propane, in approved containers and keep them in a well-ventilated area away from heat sources.
4. Be Mindful of Electrical Hazards:
Before using, make sure to inspect electrical cords, plugs, and appliances for any signs of damage.
To prevent overloading, avoid plugging too many devices into electrical outlets and extension cords.
Turn off and unplug electrical devices when not in use.
5. Create and Maintain Defensible Space:
Create a defensible space around your property by clearing away vegetation, leaves, and debris.
Maintain a distance between flammable materials and structures to reduce the risk of fire spread.
6. Stay Informed and Prepared:
Stay updated on local weather and fire conditions by relying on reliable sources.
Make sure you have a fire emergency plan in place for your household and ensure that everyone knows how to respond in case of a fire.
Make sure to keep fire extinguishers in easily accessible areas of your home and familiarize yourself with their use.
By following these fire prevention tips, you can help reduce the risk of fires and ensure a safer summer season for you and your family. Unfortunately, no matter how careful you are, accidents still happen. If you are impacted by fire damage call the professionals at ServiceMaster DSI. We have a network of local restoration experts ready to help you recover from damage to your home. Call us today at 844-413-3130.
