Top 5 Winter Fire Hazards and How SERVPRO of SW Onondaga County Can Help

11/26/2024 (Permalink)

Prevent the risk of fires in winter by keeping flammable items away from your Christmas tree.

As winter settles in and temperatures drop throughout Onondaga County, the risk of fire hazards increases significantly. Understanding these risks and taking preventive measures can help keep your home safe during the colder months. At SERVPRO of SW Onondaga County, we want to make sure that you stay safe over the holidays and help you prevent and restore any fire damage that may occur. If you experience fire damage, quickly restore your home to its pre-damage condition. Contact SERVPRO® for immediate assistance and peace of mind.

Space Heaters

Space heaters are a popular way to keep warm during winter, but they can also be a significant fire hazard. Half of home heating fires occur in December, January, and February. While space heaters are a convenient way to heat your home, they can also lead to destructive house fires. Reduce the risk of space heater fires by placing them on a flat surface, keeping them at least 3 feet away from flammable objects like curtains, bedding, and furniture, and always turning them off when you leave the room or house.

Holiday Decorations

We often use flammable materials such as holiday decorations and cleaning supplies to get our home guest-ready in the winter. Holiday decorations bring festive cheer to homes but can also increase fire risk. Potentially, the most notable holiday decorations are Christmas trees, especially real ones, which are equally beautiful and dangerous. It is crucial to keep your tree watered and away from heat sources to prevent it from becoming dry and flammable. Lastly, reduce your fire risk from holiday decorations by purchasing flame-resistant decorations whenever possible.

Electrical Overloads

You may not realize it, but throughout the winter, we typically use more appliances due to staying indoors to escape the cold weather, using cooking appliances for holiday baking, and having holiday lights plugged in 24/7 increase your fire risk. Electrical overloads are exceptionally common in older homes as they are not wired to today's electrical load limit. Ensure you purchase power strips equipped with surge protectors and regularly monitor your outlets to prevent too many items from being plugged into an electrical socket. Additionally, always remember to turn off and unplug electrical devices when they are not in use to ensure safety.

Cooking Accidents

During the winter months, the increased cooking and baking activities can lead to a higher risk of kitchen fires. It is essential to never leave the oven or stove unattended while in use and to ensure that flammable items, such as towels and wooden utensils, are kept away from the cooking area. Utilizing a timer can help keep track of cooking times, and it's advisable to have a fire extinguisher readily available in the kitchen for emergencies. If you experience a kitchen fire, contact SERVPRO for professional fire restoration services.

Allow SERVPRO to Restore Your Onondaga Property After a Fire

This winter, prioritize reducing your risk of fire damage by taking SERVPRO's preventive measures. In the event that you have experienced a fire at your property in Onondaga County, you can count on SERVPRO of SW Onondaga County's emergency response team to begin restoring your home immediately. Our highly trained fire restoration technicians are available 24/7 to help you restore your property to its pre-damaged condition. Contact us today to learn more about our services and how we can assist you in restoring your property in Onondaga County after a fire.