A Guide to Spring Fire Hazards and Fire Safety Tips for the Spring Cleaning Checklist

5/11/2021 (Permalink)

Blog Summary: SERVPRO of Media warns homeowners about spring fire safety hazards and shares fire safety tips for springtime.

Nearly three decades ago, SERVPRO of Media, PA, embraced the challenge of helping homeowners and business owners reconstruct their lives and businesses after fire damage in Media, PA. Homeowners experience a heightened awareness of the importance of fire safety during the cold months of winter. A roaring fire in the fireplace, space heaters in practically every room, seasonal and decorative candles throughout the home, and the annual tangle of Christmas lights and extension cords are constant reminders of the need to exercise fire safety measures.

The warmer months and longer days of spring require no less vigilance. The transition from cozy indoor holiday festivities to backyard barbecues does not mean that less attention needs to be paid to fire safety. Rather, the focus shifts to other important areas.

Festive and Decorative Candles

Decorative and aromatic candles are a festive favorite. Whether the event is a candlelit Easter celebration, Sunday lunch, or a cheery spring gathering with friends, the fireplace mantle, end tables, side tables, and wall sconces are often filled with gently flickering candles.

When decorating with candles, remember to abide by proper fire safety. Lit candles should never be left unattended under any circumstance. Broken candleholders and damaged candles are dangerous and should be discarded. Any greenery remaining from Christmas decorations is dry and will be quick to ignite if exposed to a spark or flame. Remove dead, dried decorations before they become kindling for a house fire.

Memorial Day Celebrations

Memorial Day signals a shift from spring to summer and brings with it campfires, backyard bonfires, marshmallows, and, in some municipalities, fireworks. However, a single spark can ignite an entire forest resulting in massive fire damage and property loss. Penalties for violation of local fire ordinances can result in fines and jail time. Persons who cause a fire resulting in property damage are liable for damages and may also be responsible for the expense of extinguishing the blaze. In any case, be careful and know the local ordinances.

Grill Safety

Outdoor grilling has skyrocketed in popularity due to the pandemic, and this popularity will likely continue even with the lockdown restrictions being lifted. In fact, now that more states and counties are allowing larger gatherings, the grill may become an even greater hub of activity and community.

However, grills and fire are inseparable. The risk is unavoidable. According to the National Fire Protection Association, an average of nearly 9,000 home fires are caused by grilling activities each year. Gas grills cause more fires than charcoal grills. To keep the home and family safe, homeowners should follow the grill safety tips listed below.

1. Inspect the grill thoroughly before each cooking session. Only a few minutes are required to check the propane tank, the hose, and all connections.
2. Only use charcoal lighter fluid to start a charcoal fire. Other accelerants can cause a flash explosion that can quickly spread to anything flammable nearby.
3. Clean grills are safe grills. Twenty percent of all grill structure fires are linked to greasy, grimy grills.
4. Position the grill at least ten feet away from anything flammable, including plants, mulch, paper products, vehicles, wood, or lawn and deck furniture.

Outdoor Fire Pits

Safety precautions for an outdoor fire pit are similar to the regulations for a grill. Flames in a fire pit should be kept low. Once the fire has become established, keep the spark screen in place. Depending on local ordinances, the pit should be kept ten to fifteen feet away from any structure. Watch out for overhanging branches. Inspect the fire pit for spots that have rusted out and can drop embers under the unit, damaging the deck or causing a fire. Other basic fire safety tips include:

• Young children should be supervised by adults at all times when the fire pit is a part of family activities.
• Place a bucket of water near the fire pit before igniting the fire.
• Many borough fire ordinances prohibit burning leaves, sticks, pinecones, pine needles, and paper in the fire pit because of sparks and large flames. Generally, flames are limited to two feet in height.
• Toast marshmallows over the embers rather than the flames. A fiery marshmallow can ignite clothing, hair, and dry brush and leaves. The fiery projectile can cause serious burns to the skin, eyes, and mouth.

Some counties and boroughs are requiring a permit for a backyard bonfire or fire pit. Know the local fire ordinances. Contact the fire department for specific information about relevant ordinances, or visit the county’s website for more information.

Spring Cleaning Fire Safety Tips

While spring is in the air and spring cleaning is on the mind, homeowners can improve fire safety in the home by adding fire safety precautions to their spring cleaning checklist.

Tip #1: Clean the chimney during the spring so that the fireplace will be ready for the cold fall weather and any early snows.

Tip #2: Test smoke alarms and replace the batteries.

Tip #3: Clean out the dryer vent pipe. The United States Fire Association reports that clothes dryers are responsible for nearly 3,000 house fires annually and cause 35 million dollars in damages. Remember to clean the lint trap after every load and keep the lint trap clean to reduce buildup in the dryer.

Tip #4: Identify a fire damage restoration specialist to call in the event of fire damage. A house fire is a traumatic situation, and smoke inhalation, adrenalin, and the chaos of the situation often override the senses. Knowing exactly which company to call means that a fire damage restoration company in Broomall, PA, such as SERVPRO of Media, can be on the scene in about an hour or less to inspect the situation and begin the restoration process.

For more information, contact the office by phone at (610) 566-5720 or by email at office@SERVPROmedia.com.