Autumn Fire-Safety Guidelines for Your Home
Creosote buildup occurs in chimneys where there is distillation of various tars and by pyrolysis of wood at high heat.
Never leave space heaters unattended, including while you sleep.
The weather is settling into the cool autumn season we love, but be careful before turning on those cozy heaters this time of year.
Chilly October will have many of us reaching for the thermostat and other heating systems, but without taking preventative measures first, you could be kindling a devastating fire hazard.
To ensure the safety of your family and your home, follow our fire prevention tips and avoid common causes of fall fires:
FURNACE. Before returning to your furnace to warm things up, make sure to have your unit serviced, including replacing filters, cleaning the burners and other inner components, and checking that the ducts and vents are clear.
FIREPLACE. Avoid hazards from your fireplace by taking care of creosote buildup, clearing the flue of debris, and securing an annual chimney inspection to manage obstructions and wear.
OUTDOOR FIRE PIT. Fire pits should be placed on a non-flammable surface, a safe distance from structures, and without obstructions overhead. Prevent unpredictable embers by avoiding windy conditions, and allowing fire pits in use to completely burn out before storing.
SPACE HEATERS. Use space heaters safely by keeping them away from flammable materials and high-traffic areas, plugging them directly into a wall outlet, and never leaving them running unattended, including while you sleep.
DRYER VENT. Prevent dryer fires by routinely cleaning the exhaust duct and behind the dryer, clearing the lint screen between each use, and taking special care when drying materials with chemical contact.
We see far too many structures suffer from dangerous fire damage without proper maintenance in place. At DANE Contractors, we provide complete fire prevention and restoration services, from first response damage control, to comprehensive reconstruction, and even content cleaning and storage.
Contact DANE Contractors today to learn more about our disaster recovery services.
This year's Fire Prevention Week theme: “Plan and Practice your Escape is so important. It reinforces why everyone needs to have a fire safety plan.