How Fires Break Out in Cool Weather | SERVPRO® of North Kenosha County
How Fires Break Out in Cool Weather | SERVPRO® of North Kenosha County - SERVPRO OF NORTH KENOSHA COUNTY Blog
As the weather turns cooler for the wintertime, the chance of fires begins to increase. Winter sees the highest occurrences of house fires due to several factors, which is why it is important to understand the reasons why fires occur more frequently and how to prevent them.
<h3behind-cool-weather-fires">Reasons Behind Cool Weather Fires
An Increase in Cooking
Cooking is always found to be the No. 1 cause of house fires during the year, so it is no surprise that it is also the top cause of winter fires. Many winter holidays are celebrated with big meals, leading to an increase in cooking, baking and having multiple people working in the kitchen at once, giving a fire more opportunity to occur.
The Risk of Heaters
Many families implore the use of space heaters or a fireplace to cut down their heating costs in the winter, but it is important to exercise caution if you do so. Heating errors cause fires at the second-highest rate during the winter, which is why it is important to ensure the safety features on any heaters are working and that a fireplace is never used without its protective grate.
Candles and Decorations
There are many ways to decorate for the winter holidays, but if you choose candles or electronics, be sure to exercise caution. Any time a candle is lit, there is an opportunity for the flame to spread, and this is multiplied if it is near fake greenery or other synthetically made decorations. Additionally, many electrical components of decor can deteriorate if they are used only once per year, leading to an increased opportunity for electrical fires.
<h3for-avoiding-cool-weather-fires">Tips for Avoiding Cool-Weather Fires
For the reasons listed above, it is important to be extremely cautious concerning house fires when the temperature drops. Here are some of the best fire prevention tips for the cooler months to keep you protected and to keep your home fire-free:
- 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.