Autumn Brings Increased Fire Risk | SERVPRO® of North Central Mecklenburg County

1/28/2022 (Permalink)

Be mindful about fall fire safety. Always remember that SERVPRO of North Central Mecklenburg County is the trusted leader in the restoration industry.

Those of us in North Carolina are no strangers to the heat of summer! By the time September rolls around, we’re ready for a bit of relief.

Now the air is getting crisper, the humidity is dropping and sooner than later, in the mornings and evenings, you may even want a light jacket.

Fall is almost here! A favorite season for campers, leaf-peepers and of course trick-or-treaters. Fall weather is perfect for many fun outdoor activities.

But each seasonal change brings with it new fire hazards. So grab a pumpkin spice latte, and let’s review a few fire safety tips for this autumn season.

Outdoor Fires and Campfires

Building a campfire is part art and part science. Knowing how to assemble the proper amount of tinder, twigs and sticks and stacking them in a manner that will combust is the art. The science is providing dry fuel in the right sizes and amounts that are small enough to catch fire.

It’s best to use a long reach lighter or wooden matches when starting a campfire. Never use an accelerant like kerosene or lighter fluid, and make sure to build your fire away from structures and other flammable items.

Before leaving your campsite, make sure to extinguish your fire completely. Slowly drown out the fire and embers until there is no smoke remaining. Anything you leave behind can start up again with the right breeze.

Leaf Burning

Dried leaves will start accumulating in your yard soon, and many people like to burn them as a method of disposal.

However, in Mecklenburg County, open burning is prohibited. You will have to find an alternative form of disposal to get rid of leaves and yard debris.

Space Heaters

Portable space heaters are a frequent cause of fires in the fall and winter. If you’re going to use one, do it safely.

Always keep flammable items away from the heater. All space heater should be equipped with an automatic shut off in case the unit overheats for tips over. If your space heater doesn’t have one, buy a new one that does.

Make sure to place the heater on a level surface and keep kids away from the area of the heater. Plug it directly into an outlet and avoid using an extension cord. Turn it off if you leave the room or go to bed.

Halloween

Next month, goblins and spooks will abound on the 31st!

Keep in mind, Halloween decorations and even costumes can be fire hazards. These things are everywhere during the spooky season, so be attentive and responsible as you celebrate.

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.