Winter Fire Safety

1/25/2022 (Permalink)

Cozy up this winter stress-free knowing how to best prepare for the cold!

1/21/2022

With Winter firmly establishing itself throughout Iowa over the last few weeks, plenty of us are considering ways to stay as warm as possible until the Spring. Heat is such a critical part of a Midwesterners Winter, which makes winter fire safety is all too important. We continue our Winter Preparedness Series today by diving into the topic of winter fire safety, mainly discussing how it applies to residential properties. While there are many reasons for house fires occurring, the rate and probability of housefires increases throughout times of cold weather and frigid temperatures. Common Winter themes such as candles burning, warm food cooking, and heaters set on high can all lead to a potential winter fire risk.

Carbon Monoxide Safety Tips

• Have your home heating systems (including chimneys and vents) inspected and serviced annually by a trained service technician.
• Never use portable generators inside homes or garages, even if doors and windows are open. Use generators outside only, far away from the home.
• Never bring a charcoal grill into the house for heating or cooking. Do not barbeque in the garage.
• Never use a gas range or oven for heating.
• Open the fireplace damper before lighting a fire and keep it open until the ashes are cool. An open damper may help prevent build-up of poisonous gases inside the home.
• Install battery-operated CO alarms or CO alarms with battery backup in your home outside separate sleeping areas.
• Know the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning: headache, dizziness, weakness, nausea, vomiting, sleepiness, and confusion. If you suspect CO poisoning, get outside to fresh air immediately, and then call 911.
• Check smoke alarms once every 30 days and replace every 10 years.

Prevent Home Fires

• Portable Space Heaters - Keep combustible objects at least 3 feet away.
• Fireplaces & Woodstoves - Inspect and clean pipes and chimneys annually.
• Generators - Use in well ventilated locations outside at least 5 feet from all doors, windows, and vent openings.
• Cooking - stay in the kitchen and turn off the stove if you leave, even for a short period of time.
• Electrical & Appliance Safety - Replace all worn, old, or damaged appliance cords.

What To Do If an Emergency Occurs

SERVPRO of Marshalltown is a restoration company that helps people with their homes following a fire throughout Story County. What makes a restoration company imperative is that you cannot just head back into your home after there has been a fire. There are numerous hazards that must be cleaned, boarded, and a variety of other issues that must be handled first. After emergency crews take care of the initial scene, SERVPRO of Marshalltown is able to follow closely behind and begin the restoration process of your home and valuables. Unsure of where to turn after a winter weather emergency? Call SERVPRO of Marshalltown 24/7 at (515) 233-4544 or send a message on Facebook at SERVPRO of Ames.

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.