October marks the beginning of fall, and with it comes the charm of falling leaves, pumpkin spice everything, and the comforting warmth of candles and fireplaces.
However, October is also a time when fire accidents increase, and our team at Green Clean wants to make sure you and your loved ones stay safe this season!
Green Clean specializes in fire mitigation, and we are dedicated to keeping our community safe and informed. That’s why we have put together this October Fire Safety List to share essential tips and precautions with you.
If you have a fireplace at home, make sure it’s in proper working condition. Have it inspected and cleaned regularly to prevent creosote buildup, which can lead to chimney fires. According to the National Fire Protection Association, fireplaces and other heating equipment caused one in six home structure fires (13%) that took place in 2016-2020. Use a metal bucket to clean out cold ashes, use a screen to keep sparks from escaping, and never leave a fire unattended.
Always place candles on stable surfaces, away from flammable materials such as furniture and curtains, and extinguish them before leaving the room. Keep candles out of reach from children and pets. Consider using battery-operated candles as a safer alternative.
Ensure all your electrical cords and appliances are in good condition and don’t overload outlets. Overloading outlets causes the circuit breaker to trip, cutting the electric flow to that whole circuit. When that happens, the circuit wiring overheats, making the wire insulation melt and can cause a fire. Also, use space heaters with caution, keeping them away from curtains, furniture, and other flammable objects.
Check your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors to ensure they’re working correctly. Test them once a month and replace batteries regularly. Additionally, have a fire extinguisher on hand and know how to use it. It can be a lifesaver in case of a small kitchen fire.
Create and practice a family emergency fire plan that includes a designated meeting point and escape routes in case of a fire. Ensure that everyone in your household knows what to do and where to go in the event of a fire emergency.
When it comes to the safety of plugged-in home improvement batteries and charging ports, it’s essential to prioritize precautions. Avoid overcharging: don’t leave a battery plugged in the charger for extended periods, as overcharging can damage the battery and pose a fire safety threat. Use the correct charger every time: only use the charger that came with your device, appliance or the one recommended by the manufacturer. We were recently called out to perform fire damage restoration due to a incompatible charger hooked up to a weed whacker. Using incompatible chargers can be dangerous.
October is a perfect time to double check that your home is in top shape before the cold weather sets in. And although we all love the autumn days, those nights can cause the right chill for us to crank up the fireplace or light some candles. Use these six tips to keep you and your loved ones safe (and cozy) this October!
And remember, in life’s most trying moments, having a well-crafted family fire safety plan can be a lifeline. Our commitment at Green Clean is to provide not just fire damage restoration services, but peace of mind. Together, let’s ensure the safety and security of your family and property, no matter what season we may be celebrating.
We sincerely hope that your Minneapolis property will never experience fire damage, but if you do, Green Clean is ready to assist you in getting your life back to normal. Contact us today today to learn more.
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