Fire Prevention Tips for Summer
Bring out the grills, turn on the A/C, and fire up the lawn mower. It’s summertime! And while the days are longer, the pace is slower, and the fun is at a maximum, don’t forget about fire safety. Summertime brings its share of fire hazards in and around your home, and it’s crucial that you brush up on your fire prevention tips for summer. Read on about the biggest fire hazards in your home this season.
The Grill
Nothing beats the barbecued flavor. You just can’t duplicate it indoors. Its no wonder we all can’t wait to fire up the grill as soon as it warms up. But take caution. Make sure your grill is not up against your house (and NEVER use your grill inside your home). Remove any overhanging branches, and designate 3 feet around the grill as the safe zone. Don’t walk away from your grill unless someone else has eyes on it — especially if you have kids or pets running around. And be sure to regularly remove grease and gas buildup.
The A/C
Surprisingly, air conditioning, fans, or related equipment are involved in thousands of home fires each year. Most of these fires are due to mechanical or electrical failures. They can happen because the unit is being overused or it isn’t properly maintained. You can prevent overuse by turning the air conditioner off during the peak hours of electrical usage. Your electric company can tell you these hours for your area.
Maintain your central air conditioning unit by having it professionally maintained once a year, changing your filter each moth, and keeping the unit clear of leaves, debris, and dirt.
The Lawnmower
Take care of your lawnmower. Read the recommendations about maintenance from the manufacture and follow them. Regularly check the mufflers, engines, and cutting units for grass and other debris. And if your lawnmower overheats, wait to refuel it.
Remember Your Smoke Detectors
A smoke detector can be a lifesaver for your family, so make sure you regularly check that your smoke alarms are working. Set a reminder in your phone for the first day of each month. That way, you’ll never miss it. In addition, make sure you have working smoke alarms on every level of your home. There should also be one inside and outside of each bedroom.
Fireworks
Nothing says summer like fireworks. Follow your local laws, and if fireworks are allowed in your area, be cautious when using them on your property. Follow the warnings and instructions on your fireworks, keep a bucket of water close at hand to put out any fires, and keep people out of range. Light your fireworks away from your home or any flammable materials. Before use, and if you have any left over, store your fireworks in a dry, cool place.
Know What to Do
Learn now what to do if there is a fire in your home — and practice the steps. Every member of your family should know basic fire safety rules and how to protect themselves in a fire.
Even when you know fire prevention tips for summer, you may still experience fire damage. If you do, New Life Restoration will help you take the right steps, communicate with the insurance company, and get your home back in shape. Give us a call at (805) 925-1600, or contact us online.
