Fall has ushered in the time for warm sweaters, the leaves changing colors and football games with our friends and family. With all the fun that comes with the weather getting cooler, there are also fire hazards that accompany the change of seasons. Heating systems, bonfires and excess leaves can all potentially lead to catastrophic fire damage to your Arizona home or property. Keep your family safe with these simple fire damage prevention tips.
Heating System Safety Tips
With the cooler weather upon us, especially in Northern Arizona, our heating systems have been fired up and will be running for months before we turn them off. Depending on using a central heating system or space heaters to warm up your Arizona home, we recommend that you check to make sure that they are in proper working order before you turn them on. These heating systems can pose a huge fire damage threat to your home if they do not work properly. As of 2018 the US Fire Administration stated that 10% of residential house fires are caused by a heating system malfunction. We recommend the following:
Have your central heating system cleaned and inspected by a certified HVAC contractor before turning it on
Make sure carbon monoxide detectors are working or installed if not currently in place
Don't leave space heaters unattended
Keep spaces heaters 3 feet away from furniture and other items, including clothes, curtains, and blankets
Bonfires and Outdoor Grilling
Cooler weather usually means snuggling up by the campfire and hosting cookouts. Open fires and gas grills are staples for fall activities, but they also pose as fire threats. Use these fire safety tips to keep your family safe this fall:
Grilling Safety Tips
Clean your grill regularly and keep it grease free
Never leave your grill unattended
Keep the grill at least 10 feet away from any structures, including your home, deck, garage, or shed
ONLY grill outdoors
Keep children and pets away from the grill (no one likes a burned hand)
If you smell gas while cooking, immediately turn off the grill, and back away
If you are using a charcoal grill, make sure cool the charcoals completely before you dispose them
Fall Bonfire Safety Tips
Never leave the bonfire unattended
Keep a bucket of water or hose ready
Know that throwing damp materials into the fire will lead to excessive smoke
Find a way to keep the fire contained
Do not burn aerosols, tires, canisters or anything containing foam or paint. These products have serious toxins and chemicals that can cause the fire to explode and will produce dangerous chemicals in the air
After the fire has calmed down, always spray with embers with water to to prevent it from reigniting.
Excess Leaves and Debris
Many people do not consider beautiful fall leaves as a fire threat. However, as the leaves or pine needles begin to fall into your yard and gutters, this dry material is extremely flammable and will leave your home vulnerable to a fire. In order to prevent fire damage to your home, be on the lookout for the excess debris. Here are a few simple tips many homeowners don't usually consider:
Don't park over leaves & pine needles. The heat from your car’s engine or exhaust system can ignite these substances and start a fire.
Clean your gutters regularly of excess leaves, sticks, dirt, and other debris. One spark from a bomb fire can light up all those dry materials.
Cleaning your gutters can also save you from costly water damage costs
Stay safe this fall season and follow these simple fire safety precautions to keep you, your family, and your property safe. If you are reading this or find yourself in a fire damage emergency contact your friends at Sunshine Restoration.
We have decades of experience handling fire, water, and mold damage restoration projects. We serve Northern Arizona communities like Payson & Flagstaff and areas in the Phoenix Valley like Scottsdale, Fountain Hills, and Mesa.
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