Increases of House Fires During Winter | SERVPRO® of Central Union County & SERVPRO® of Western Essex County

3/9/2020 (Permalink)

If your home experiences any flooding or other water issue, SERVPRO of Central Union County is here to dry, clean and repair any damage.

Though winter is best known for cold weather and festive events, it is also a prime time for fires to occur. There are many factors in winter that can increase the likelihood of a fire occurring, including an uptick in kitchen use, heater use and the installation of holiday decorations. Understanding the risks and prevention strategies is key to having a safe winter.

Why Winter Sees an Uptick in House Fires

An Increase in Cooking
Fires are caused by many things, but fires related to cooking incidents are always the most frequent. Because of the increase in kitchen usage, baking and holidays that are celebrated with food in the winter, the rate of cooking fires only increase as the temperatures drop.

The Risk of Heaters
Heating your home safely during the cold months is an important part of fire prevention. Heating incidents due to improper safety precautions are another leading cause of fires during colder weather. Ensuring that all of the safety features on personal heaters and fireplaces are put into use is important, as many heat sources can light other objects on fire.

Candles and Decorations
Decorative candles and electrical components are a way to get in the winter spirit, but it also brings forth new risks for fires. Any time an open flame is present, even if it is as small as a candle flame, the risk for fire increases. For electrical decorations, they should be thoroughly inspected before use in order to check for any fraying, wear or other fire hazards that may pose a problem.

How to Practice Winter Fire Prevention

By putting preventive practices into place, you can greatly reduce your risk of experiencing a fire both during winter and year-round. Here are some ways to be safe against the common occurrences of winter fires:

• Check smoke alarms once every 30 days and replace every 10 years.
• Always monitor open flames.
• Select space heaters with automatic shut-offs in case they tip over.
• Utilize a screen every time you use a fireplace.
• Draft and practice an emergency escape plan with your household.

If your home has been impacted by a fire, call us right away. We are leaders in restoration and can help you recover quickly after a fire occurs.