Fire Safety for the Warmer Months | SERVPRO® of Anniston, Gadsden and Marshall County

6/4/2021 (Permalink)

Restoring fire and smoke damage is one of our specialties. Contact SERVPRO of Anniston, Gadsden and Marshall to learn more.

Seasons change and winter leads to spring. It’s a time of renewal as trees start to bud and grass begins to grow after the “cold season.”

Everything feels fresh and new and the warner weather certainly leads to more outdoor activities. Cookouts, family get-togethers, graduation parties and trips to the lake can all lead to an increased risk of fires.

In fact, more daily fires occur in the spring, on average, than any other time of year. But with a little awareness, you can do your part to avoid fires at home this season. Let’s start with these:

These 3 Areas Deserve Special Attention

The grill. Grills get the most blame because they represent the greatest risk. Having a combination of heat, flame, grease and fuel in close proximity creates the right conditions for an unexpected fire. Grills should be properly maintained and cleaned after every use. Keep the grill away three feet away from your house and other flammable items. Pay special attention to cleaning—almost 20% of grill fires are due to inadequate cleaning.

The fire pit. Fire pits on a cool spring evening can attract friends and family. Keep these safety tips in mind regarding fire pit safety. Kids should never be left unattended around a fire pit with a fire. Have a water source handy in case the fire get to big or out of control, preferable a hose but at least a bucket. Don’t add anything else to the fire, except for wood. Tossing on cardboard or paper could cause embers to be picked up and relocated with the wind. Advice: If you roast marshmallows, avoid roasting over the flame, use the embers instead to get that “just right” roast.

The dryer vent and the chimney. While chimneys are not a huge issue in Alabama, dryer vents could be. Seasonally inspect your chimney for obstructions and creosote build-up and if necessary, have them professionally “swept.” There is more than just cleaning the lint filter after every use of the dryer. Over time, lint can build up in the dryer vent pipe. The longer the distance, the more opportunity for clogging. Dryer vents should be checked and cleaned periodically, but always at least once a year.

Our trained experts are on hand ²⁴⁄₇ for emergencies. If you have smoke, fire or water damage in your home or business, we can be there quick and get it cleaned up fast. Call or click today and experience the SERVPRO difference.