Prevent Fire Damage in the Winter Months in Knoxville, TN

2/25/2015 (Permalink)

The House Fire

Every winter we see an increase in the amount of residential house fires in Knoxville, TN, resulting in fire damage. With the winter months come cold weather, and the need to add some extra heat. But along with the extra heat, there are added risks involved.

According to FEMA, the Federal Emergency Management Association and NFPA, the National Fire Prevention Association, half of all home fires caused by heating sources occur in the months of December, January, and February. Additionally, 1 in 6 home fires are a result of heating equipment, and 1 in 5 home fire deaths.

Extra precaution should be used to prevent fire damage and recognize the added risks.

• Keep anything that can ignite and burn at least 3 feet from all heating sources. This includes gas fireplaces, wood burning fireplaces, space heaters, wood stoves, and radiators.
• Never use portable generators inside a residence. The output of carbon monoxide and fumes can be a silent killer.
• Install a carbon monoxide detector and inspect it at least once a month.
• Have a professional inspect your chimney annually to make sure it's operating correctly, and cleaned as needed.
• Never overload outlets with electrical heating sources. No more than one source should be plugged in to one outlet.
• Keep fire extinguishers serviced and up to date.
• If your pipes freeze and burst, be aware of electrical hazards with flooding water.
• Always discard used and cooled ashes properly, a minimum of 10 feet away from houses or any building, using a metal container.

To learn more about SERVPRO of West Knoxville and fire damage services, visit here. For more tips on preventing winter fires and education, visit www.usfa.fema.gov/winter and www.nfpa.org/winter.