Fire Safety Tips You Need to Know
Seasonal fire hazards are as common in winter months as holidays. Residential fires become more common during the winter months as people use fireplaces, candles, and kitchen appliances more. It is helpful to know the basics of winter fire safety so you can keep your Greenfield home and family safe. With these simple tips, you can avoid common causes of fires and enjoy a pleasant winter season.
It feels great to cozy up by the fire during winter nights. But fireplaces should be used carefully and cleaned regularly to keep flames where should remain. One of the most important safety tips for using a fireplace is to clean it thoroughly before each use. You can avoid burns and property damage by keeping your fireplace free from ashes, built-up soot, and debris that can become spark-inducing hazards. When you start with a clean fireplace, you ensure that your fire will keep you warm safely each time.
As you clean your fireplace, you should also check that the damper is working properly and is open before you light your kindling. This gives good ventilation and will prevent smoke from filling your home’s interior. You should never leave a fire unattended and you should keep children and pets safely at a distance as well. Lastly, be cautious when you remove ashes and unburned wood from a fireplace. Coals hidden under ashes can stay hot for up to three days, so stir ashes carefully and test for heat before you scoop them out. Also, don’t miss your annual chimney sweep to keep creosote deposits from building up.
Life fireplaces, candles are a common source of residential fires. Although open flames create a cozy atmosphere, they should be used cautiously. According to the National Fire Protection Association, candles start an average of 7,610 home structure fires each year. Always keep candles away from flammables like curtains, houseplants, and home decor items to keep the risk of fire low. Do not move candles that have melted wax pooling in the center, and never leave a lit candle unattended. This way, you can enjoy your candle-lit nights safely.
Winter also means holidays filled with special meals. However, all that extra cooking can also mean that kitchen fires are more common in winter. According to the U.S. Fire Administration, there are more than 189,000 cooking fires in the U.S. each year. The main culprits of these fires are kitchen appliances left unattended.
To have a holiday free from kitchen fires, make sure you are in the kitchen whenever you are simmering or baking food. It is also helpful to set a timer to remind yourself to remove food from the stove or oven once you’re done cooking. Most cooking fires occur on stovetops, so it is best to keep flammable objects (including dish towels and other fabrics) away from the stove before turning the burners on. Clean up spills or overflowing food immediately and use pots and pans that are in good condition.
Lastly, if your cooking plans include frying, take extra care around hot oil. Unattended pots of boiling water or oil are hazards especially when there are no lids nearby. Should the oil start to flame up, stop it by covering the pot with the lid. You should also turn off the heat and allow the stove and pot to cool.
When you follow these safety tips, you can easily avoid winter fire hazards. Would you like to learn more safety tips for renters? We can help! Call 262-309-6961 to speak with a professional Greenfield property manager today.
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