Keep Fire Out of Your Fall Plans | SERVPRO? of Eastern Rockland County

9/16/2021 (Permalink)

Be mindful about fall fire safety. Always remember that SERVPRO of Eastern Rockland County is the trusted leader in the restoration industry.

Ahh, autumn in New City. There’s just something magical about it—leaves are dropping and changing, there’s football everywhere you turn and everything smells like pumpkin spice.

Campers and hikers squeal with delight, and bags of candy begin to accumulate at your house to give out to costumed wanderers.

But even this most pleasant season brings potential for fire danger, so let’s take at a few areas in which you need to exercise caution.

Campfire Safety

Building a campfire properly is as important as putting it out properly. Use matches or a lighter only—never use an accelerant like kerosene or lighter fluid.

Build your fire safely out from under any low branches, and at least 25 feet from any structures, buildings or tents.

Make sure your fire is completely extinguished before you leave camp. Douse every last ember with water until the wood and ash is cool to the touch.

Leaf Burning

You have a few options when it comes to leaf removal. You could have them hauled away or mulched, but some residents choose to burn them as well.

You’ll need a permit and proper fire safety methods, however. Build any open flame at least 50 feet away from your home, and use a burn barrel if you can.

Also, burning anything besides organic yard material is prohibited, as it presents both fire and environmental hazards.

Space Heaters

Portable space heaters are a major cause of home fires as weather cools down. If you’re using one to heat your personal space on cool mornings or evenings, make sure to keep it at least three feet from anything that is flammable, including furniture, curtains or clothes.

Keep heaters on a level surface away from any activity, and upgrade to a newer model with tip-over or overheating sensitivity.

Halloween

We’ll get into detail later, but as you decorate for spooky season, make sure you’re keeping fire safety in mind, especially with the use of candles.

If a fire hazard should turn from potential to reality in your home, remember the trusted leader in the fire cleanup and recovery industry and contact SERVPRO to get your property fully restored right down to the smell of smoke.