Why Winter is Home Fire Season

2/13/2017 (Permalink)

Home fire restoration Long Island, NY - Call the pros at SERVPRO East Meadow / Wesbury

With such cold and blustery weather, hibernation seems like a good idea. However, spending more time at home trying to stay warm brings some risks along with it. The winter season is fire season due to heavier indoor use of kitchen, electricity, furnaces, candles, space heaters, fireplaces and others. All these appliances enhance the risk of accidental fires, as stated by the National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA). Heating and cooking are identified as the two leading causes of home fires in winter. In order to avoid such great mishaps or fire accidents, which also often result in casualties or injuries, every home owner must be aware of why winter is HOME FIRE SEASON!

Home Heating

Home heating systems, boilers and furnaces are one of the primary causes of home fires, and related injuries and deaths in the U.S. homes during the winter season. Most of these cases are seen in the peak winter months - December, January and February. Space heaters are the most dangerous, causing the highest amount of home heating fires. Accounting for two out of every five home fire cases. Therefore, space heaters must be used carefully and never be left unattended.

Carbon Monoxide

Carbon monoxide, also called the invisible killer, is a colorless, odorless gas that is produced as a result of fuel burning like propane, coal and wood. In homes, heating and cooking appliances that burn fuel, are potential generators of carbon monoxide. Such incidents are usually seen during winter months in residential buildings.

Winter storms

Most homes in the U.S. are susceptible to winter storms, which may lead to risky and life-threatening conditions. Extreme cold, downed trees, frozen pipes, icy road conditions can all put havoc on one’s daily routine. This results in overwhelmed usage of heating equipment, and thus, higher chances of home fires.

Generators

A portable generators is indeed a great solution in case of power outages, yet a lot of homeowners don’t know that improper use of this equipment can be extremely hazardous. Some of the most common risks associated with portable generators include carbon monoxide poisoning, fire hazards and electrical shock. As revealed by Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) report of 2013, 50 percent of generator related home fires happen in the coldest months of the year, from November till February.

Candles

December has been observed as the peak time of the year for home fires due to candles. The top four days for candle fires in December include Christmas, Christmas Eve, New Year’s Day, and New Year’s Eve. Every year, on average, 25 home candle fires cases are reported each day.

Electricity

Electrical appliances have also become one of the major causes of home fires in the U.S. Around 50 percent of all home electrical fires cases are based on lighting equipment or electrical distribution, while the rest are based on other types of appliances such as dryer or washer fans, and stationary or portable space heaters.

Cooking

Guests and family members tend to be in the kitchen together for meals, but it may turn out to be the most dangerous room in the home if you don't follow safe cooking practices. Hasty use of cooking equipment, especially stovetops and ovens, are leading causes of home fires and related injuries in the United States. Always be alert and maintain your focus while using stove. Don’t allow children near any heating device or electrical appliances.

Following these precautions and keeping your buildings ready to face winters, can help a great deal in making your homes safe from accidental home fires. If you or anyone in your neighborhood is encountering any problem that may lead to fire, call the expert home emergency restoration professionals at SERVPRO of East Meadow / Westbury right away.