Your Ultimate Guide To Winter Fire Safety: Everything You Should Know

‘Tis the season where you’re pulling out space heaters and heated blankets, and turning on the fireplace and lighting candles to keep warm and cozy. Well, it’s time to put a freeze on winter fires. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), heating is the second leading cause of home fires and home fire injuries in the United States – and the third leading cause of home fire deaths. In fact, the peak months for heating fires are December, January, and February. Many heating-related fires happen because the heat source is too close to something that is flammable and can burn.

Here is everything you should know about winter fire safety and tips to keep you and yours safe.

1. Don’t Leave Candles Unattended

If you’re not home, or you go to sleep, never leave candles burning unattended. For example, if you have a pet that knocks it over or something falls on it, you could come home (or wake up) to a devastating house fire.

2. Be Cautious Of Space Heaters

Not only should you not leave candles burning unattended, but you should also think twice before letting space heaters stay on when you’re not around. Make sure they are turned off before you leave your home, or before you go to sleep. Space heaters should also be placed only on hard, nonflammable surfaces. They don’t belong on rugs or carpets. They should also never be covered with anything flammable – such as blankets and coats. Keep your space heater at least 3 feet away from anything flammable.

3. Make Sure Your Fireplace Is Completely Out

If you have a wood-burning fireplace, make sure the fire is completely out before you head to bed for the night. If you close the damper while there are still hot ashes in there, this could invite carbon monoxide into your home. This could be harmful to your health, and even fatal. Not only should you make sure your fireplace is completely out, but you should also make sure it has a sturdy screen. This can help ensure no sparks fly into the room and accidentally cause a fire or serious injury.

4. Test Smoke Alarms

While smoke alarms don’t prevent fires, they are a lifesaver and a must-have in your home. It’s the first thing that can alert you of a potential deadly fire so you and your family can evacuate safely and unscathed. A home fire is devastating, but a loss of life is even more devastating. Make sure you’re testing smoke alarms every month and replacing the batteries every 6 months to keep you and your family safe.

5. Have A Plan

If a fire broke out in your home today, would you know what to do? Would your family know what to do? Having a plan can save a life. It’s important to meet with your family and come up with a plan about what to do if a fire happens. Put it into practice, too. Think back to those fire drills in elementary school!

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No matter how much you try preventing a fire, sometimes they happen – and are just out of our control. If you’re ever in need of fire mitigation and cleanup services in Dallas, TX and surrounding areas, RestoPros is here for all your needs. Call us today at 855-587-3786 or contact us by filling out our online form here.

How Best To Prevent Winter Water Damage In Your Home?

Between the freezing temperatures and the snow accumulation, water damage can be an issue in your home. Melted snow could make its way inside, your pipes could burst if they freeze, and more could go wrong. Here’s how best to prevent winter water damage in your home.

1. Insulate Your Pipes

You should insulate pipes that are located in all unheated spaces, such as your garbage, crawlspace, basement and attic. This will help keep your pipes from freezing and bursting this winter.

2. Clean Your Gutters

When your gutters are clean, they’ll ensure a steady flow of water away from your property in the event of a melting snow this winter. By cleaning your gutters before the snow starts to settle, you can also help prevent ice dams. Ice dams happen when the water from melting snow runs down a roof and then re-freezes. If water is able to drain away from your home though, then you won’t run into this problem.

3. Shut Off Your Water Main

Planning on heading south for the winter, and taking a much needed vacation? Before you go, shut off the water main. The last thing you want is to come home to an indoor flood – especially after a relaxing vacation. Even the tiniest leaks can cause extensive water damage by the time you get home from a trip. To avoid this at all costs, shut off your water.

4. Get Sewage-Backup Coverage

If your area is prone to heaving rains and snow, then it can really overwhelm your storm water system. If your storm water system becomes overloaded, then it could cause water or sewage to back up in your house – which is something that isn’t usually covered by your homeowner’s insurance.

5. Inspect Your Roof

Before winter rolls around, inspect your roof for any signs of damage. If you notice any missing or damaged shingles, for example, then you should have them repaired or replaced immediately. Missing or damaged shingles can cause water to come in through the roof in the event of a heavy rainstorm or melting snow.

6. Insulate Your Attic

Your attic should have the proper insulation. The heat in your home should never reach your attic. One of the main causes of ice dams forming is when the warm air from your attic melts the snow on your roof, which then can refreeze. That’s why it’s important to make sure your attic is sealed and insulated properly.

Are You In Need Of Water Damage Restoration Services? RestoPros Is Here To Help In Dallas, TX and Surrounding Areas!

Even if you take all the preventative measures you can take, you may still find yourself dealing with a mess this winter! If you end up with water damage in your home, don’t hesitate to reach out to RestoPros. We offer water damage restoration services and water mitigation services to help you get your property back to new as quickly and as efficiently as possible. Call us today at 855-587-3786 or contact us by filling out our online form here.