Seasonal Fire Safety

11/16/2022 (Permalink)

With the fall air beginning to plummet into those brisk nights, we all are beginning to use our heating systems to keep warm.  In order to prevent fire damage during this time, SERVPRO of Cecil County recommends checking your systems regularly and before your first use for the season.  We also would like to remind you to stay safe while in the kitchen this Thanksgiving.  We outlined a few measures you can follow to help prevent fire damage during the fall and winter months.

• Inspect and clean your chimneys and fireplaces.  Install and replace chimney caps to prevent a blockage of dirt and debris.  This will also continue to allow smoke to exit the chimney properly, rather than throughout your home.
• Fireplaces should be checked for issues and clogs.  Logs must be positioned properly to help prevent the spread of a fire.
• Check your heaters and HVAC systems for damages or failure.  Portable heaters should be kept away from curtains, clothing and other flammable materials and turned off when no one is home.
• Your boiler or furnace will leak oil when not functioning properly.  Check those for any leaks, noises or odors that are out of the ordinary and have any repairs needed completed immediately to prevent a buildup of oil that can lead to soot bursting out of the system.

• This Thanksgiving, do not leave your cooking unattended, and keep children away from the cooking area.
• Clean your stove and oven of any grease or cooking oil that could ignite if spills were to occur on the stove.  Towels, oven mitts and other flammable materials should not be placed on or near the stove.
• Keep the floor clear of items to prevent the risk of tripping.
• Maintain and test your smoke alarms.

• During the fall and holiday season, please also remember to be cautious when decorating.  Decorations should be kept at least three feet away from heaters.  Only use holiday lights that are in good condition; no damaged cords.  Do not plug too many appliances into one outlet.
• If you are enjoying the bonfire season, be sure to never leave the fire unattended or start one in heavy winds.  Bonfires should be kept away from structures.

Should you suffer fire damage this season, SERVPRO of Cecil County can help to restore any extent of smoke or soot damage to your property.  We provide complete fire damage restoration services including structural repairs and odor deodorization services in order to help make your disaster “Like it never even happened.”