Summer Fire Safety Tips in Northern Summit County

7/17/2020 (Permalink)

Enjoy all the activities you enjoy this summer, but stay safe!

Summer is in full swing in Northeast Ohio and that means people are spending more time soaking up the sun and enjoying the outdoors – or maybe that they’re sitting inside loving the air conditioning. Either way, people are enjoying those good summertime feelings, well-deserved after another long, cold NEO winter. Don’t let a summer fire come along and ruin that warm-weather positivity. It’s true that house fires are less common in the summer than in the winter, but there are some precautions you can take to avoid a disaster at your home.

1. Grilling: For many people, grill out is a major perk of warm weather. Cooking your food over an open flame just gives it that smokey, delicious quality you can’t get on the stove or in the oven. It’s important, however, to make sure you take some simple precautions like checking the propane hose and tank for leaks before turning your grill on after a period of disuse. Additionally, you always want to make sure that you keep your grill a safe distance of at least three feet away from your home and out from under any overhangs. One of the most common causes of grill fires is a failure to clean the grill, leading to internal fires that could quickly get out of control. Clean your grill after every use to remove grease and leftover particles.
2. Bonfires: Even though it’s warm outside, a favorite summertime activity for many people is sitting around a backyard bonfire. Bonfires are also a common way for people to eliminate yard waste that they have lying around. Make sure that fires are at least five times the height of the fire in distance away from any surrounding structures. Never burn aerosols, canisters, or anything containing foam or paint as they could explode, and the fumes can be toxic. When putting out a bonfire, make sure that you rake and turn the coals while dousing them with water to ensure that the fire is completely out.
3. Air conditioners: Another common cause of summer fires is air conditioner malfunction. Of course, it is wonderful to be able to go into a nice cool home after an afternoon spent in the oppressive summer heat but it’s important to make sure that your AC is properly maintained to avoid any issues. Window units especially tend to be the major culprits for fire starters, as they sometimes overload electrical outlets or have internal faults that cause problems. Don’t leave your window AC unit running for too long without breaks or when you are not around. Additionally, if you have central air, you are at much lower risk for air conditioner fires but having your system periodically inspected, every few years, to ensure it is still in good working condition could save you from disaster later on.

If a fire does happen in your home this summer, know that you can call on SERVPRO of Northern Summit County to come to the rescue. We are faster to any disaster and our highly trained technicians can remove all evidence of fire from your space, including smoke damage. Call us when disaster strikes.