AVOID HOLIDAY MISHAPS

10/13/2016 (Permalink)

Wood-burning fireplace keeps you nice and cozy!

The winter season is fast approaching! The days are getting shorter and the temperatures are getting lower here in Southeast Texas. It’s almost time to start breaking out the portable space heaters and firing up those fireplaces and wood burning stoves.

Did you know?

According to the National Fire Protection Association, heating equipment is responsible for an estimated $893 million in property damage annually? Heating is the second leading cause of residential-fire deaths. Those of us here at  SERVPRO in conjunction with the NFPA have put together a few tips to reduce the risk of a heating-related fire and to keep your homes and families safe this winter.

• Keep anything flammable at least three feet from heating equipment, like the furnace, fireplace, wood stove, or a portable space heater. Have a three-foot “kid & pet-free zone” around open fires and space heaters.
• Remember to turn portable heaters off when leaving the room or going to bed.
• Always use the right kind of fuel, specified by the manufacturer, for fuel burning space heaters.
• Make sure the fireplace has a sturdy screen to stop sparks from flying into the room. Ashes should be cool before putting them in a metal container for disposal. Keep the container a safe distance away from your home.
• Have heating equipment and chimneys cleaned and inspected every year by a qualified professional.
• Have a qualified professional install stationary space heating equipment, water heaters or central heating equipment according to the local codes and manufacturer’s instructions.
• Test smoke alarms monthly and replace after 10 years.

If you or someone you know has fire damage in your home, large or small, call Kimberly at 281-520-8197 or Madeline 281-520-8196 for 24-hour service.  SERVPRO Friendswood/Pearland, Stafford, Missouri City North and Fresno is at your service. We’ll make it “Like it never happened.”