Enjoy Fall With Fire Safety in Mind

9/16/2021 (Permalink)

Be mindful about fall fire safety. Always remember that SERVPRO of Lowell is the trusted leader in the restoration industry

The Pats are are back on the field, the weather is perfect for hiking and camping and suddenly the smell of pumpkin spice is all over the place. That all points toward one conclusion—fall is really here.

The mild season before the plunge of winter is here to relieve you from summer and give you one last chance to get your outdoor fix in before the freeze.

Autumn, as with any season, comes with special considerations for fire safety, so let’s go over a few before you break out the s’mores.

Campfire Safety

Cool fall nights are perfect for camping, and we say make the most of it. But when you’re setting up your fire, make sure to take proper precautions.

Build your fire in a pre-dug pit surrounded by stones if there is one provided by the campsite. If not, keep it at least 25 feet away from any tents or structures.

Only light your fire with trusted methods like matches or lighters, never using kerosene or lighter fluid to light or accelerate the flames.

When it’s time to go, don’t leave anything hot or glowing. Any live embers you leave behind are potential wildfire threats. Don’t walk away from your campfire until all remaining wood and ash are cool to the touch.

Open Burning

Open burning of leaves or yard waste is prohibited in Lowell proper, but surrounding areas may provide exceptions, and you can check with your local municipality to find out.

If your township does allow leaf burning, you’ll probably be required to use a metal or concrete structure with a screened top. There will also be restrictions as to times and placements of any open fires.

Space Heaters

Portable space heaters are repeat offenders when it comes to starting home fires. Any heater you employ should be used with utmost care and kept a minimum of three feet from any flammable objects.

Always place your heater on a level surface, and ensure that no children will be playing nearby. Newer heaters may include functions for automatic shutoff if they’re tipped over or if they overheat—it’s highly recommended that you upgrade to these.

Never leave your heater on when you go to bed, and turn it off whenever you leave the room.

Halloween

We’ll talk more about this later, but be aware of fire risks as you decorate and celebrate this fall—hanging lights, decorations and candles can all present potential hazards.

If a fire hazard should turn from potential to reality in your home, remember the trusted leader in the recovery industry and contact SERVPRO to get your property fully restored right down to the smell of smoke.