Stay Safe This Summer By Preventing Fires | SERVPRO of East Cobb

7/20/2022 (Permalink)

If your home or business is affected by flames this summer, get in touch with our team at SERVPRO of East Cobb right away.

When summertime rolls around, there are so many festivities to be enjoyed, like firing up the grill or relaxing by the campfire with your family. Many of these activities increase the risk of fires, so learning how to protect yourself from flames is essential. 

Fires like this can spread quickly. When flames from campfires and barbecues come into contact with outside materials such as trees, grass and leaves, they spread much faster. 

The first step in preventing these fires is to be aware of the flames you are in charge of! Here are a few ways you can keep accidental flames from spreading while enjoying the summer sun: 

Campfire Safety 

If you’re planning on starting a campfire this summer, be careful not to spread any unintentional flames. Build your fire away from any structures, plants and trees. 

Keeping your campfire small is the best way to be able to maintain flames. 

Have a water source nearby for when you're ready to put out your campfire or if any accidental flames appear. Douse the flames in water and completely cover any remaining embers with dirt after extinguishing them. 

Ensure there is nothing left smoldering by using the back of your hand to feel for any warmth. 

Grill Safety 

Grill fires are a common problem in the United States, costing homeowners an estimated $37 million in property damage each year. To keep flames from spreading, keep your grill outside at least 10 feet away from your home. 

Never leave food cooking unattended and always keep a close eye so you can control flare-ups as they occur. 

Keeping your grill clean can also help to prevent fires. Grease and food debris fall down and hit coals, causing fires. Regularly clean your grill by removing the drip pan, cleaning off any debris or grease and rinsing it off in warm water. 

Air Conditioning Fires 

As the summer heats up, you rely on your air conditioner to keep you cool, but if there are any defects, such as electrical malfunctions or faulty wiring, flames could ignite. 

Summer is the most common season for air conditioning fires, with 2,300 residential fires occurring year-round.

To avoid AC fires, try to avoid overuse as much as you can and be sure to keep your unit clean of dust and debris. It wouldn’t hurt to schedule a routine maintenance checkup for your air conditioner to have any damage repaired before it causes problems! 

If your home or business is affected by flames this summer, get in touch with our team at SERVPRO of East Cobb. We want to assist you in recovering any losses you may have suffered as a result of a fire.