Keep It Fire-Safe This Spring & Summer | SERVPRO® of Houston County

6/22/2021 (Permalink)

Restoring fire and smoke damage is one of our specialties. Contact SERVPRO of Houston County to learn more.

Spring is undeniably beautiful. The weather is pleasant and mild, the flowers and trees are really showing off their plumage, and nature beckons us outdoors after the long, cold winter.

There are lots of reasons for backyard gatherings as well. We love to celebrate everything from graduation day to wedding engagements, church socials and family reunions, and many of these events all but necessitate a meal cooked on the family grill.

But springtime activities in the backyard also lead to an increased fire risk. In fact, spring sees more daily fires on average than any other time of year. But with just a little effort, you can take the necessary steps to host your home activities safely.

The grill. Grills are the greatest need for care in regard to spring fire safety, as they’re the top cause of accidental fires. Anytime you combine high heat, grease, gas and flammable materials in close quarters, there’s a risk. Keep your grill in good working order, make sure it’s away from anything that might catch fire and don’t forget to clean it between uses. Almost 20% of grill fires are due to poor cleaning!

The fire pit. When you’re gathered in the backyard roasting marshmallows, make sure you have a bucket of water on hand, both to douse the fire slowly when you’re finished and to take care of any flames or ashes that might hop out of the pit. Be attentive to the fire at all times, and never leave pets or kids alone by the pit. And don’t add pine needles or leaves to a burning fire, as they easily break down to tiny embers that can be carried on the wind.

Chimneys and dryer vents. You clean your dryer lint trap every time you do laundry (you do, don’t you?), but sometimes lint can sneak past and gather in your vent pipe. While you’re thinking about fire safety, go ahead and clear that bad boy out. And you’re done with your chimney until fall, so get rid of built-up ash and soot so you’re not starting fires in a hazard when it gets cold again.

Your local SERVPRO technicians are on hand ²⁴⁄₇ for emergencies. If you encounter fire damage at your home or business, no matter the cause, we will be there faster and have it cleaned up sooner. Call or click today and experience the SERVPRO difference.