Put a Stop on Montgomery County Winter Fires

1/13/2022 (Permalink)

House fires increase over the winter months. According to the National Fire Protection Association, nearly half of all home fires occurred in January, February, and December. Several factors contribute to winter fires including, portable space heaters, fireplace, central heat, and water heater. It is essential to know how to use heating equipment the right way to prevent fires at home. The following are some tips for keeping safe and warm indoors.

• Remember to keep space heaters on a stable, level surface, where they will not fall over. Never run the heater’s cord under rugs or carpeting.
• Have a professional clean and inspect your chimney and vents for safe use. 
• Throw away cooled chimney ashes in a tightly covered metal container. Keep the container outside at least 10 feet away from the building.
• Keep all lit candles at least 12 inches away from anything flammable.
• Have a fire extinguisher handy. Remember that each extinguisher must be serviced annually.

Have a safety escape plan for your family and pets. To practice fire safety, experts say it is essential to:

• Check smoke detectors every month to make sure they are working.
• Have a meeting point away from your home after you have evacuated.
• Practice your fire safety plan yearly.
• Plan at least two ways to get out of any room.

Keep these quick tips in mind to help prevent a major fire damage emergency from taking place in your home this winter season.

If you have recently experienced a fire in your home, business, or building, and need professional restoration to your residential or commercial property, give SERVPRO of Bethesda/Potomac and SERVPRO of Chevy Chase/Silver Spring at 301-530-7400 or 301-588-2240.