Staying Warm While Staying Safe This Winter Season | SERVPRO of Oxford/Batesville/Clarksdale

1/2/2024 (Permalink)

Keep yourself safe this winter with some heat safety tips from your SERVPRO of Oxford/Batesville/Clarksdale team!

We are grateful that our winters are relatively mild, but that doesn’t mean we don’t see our share of freezing temperatures and occasional snowstorms! These weather conditions have us all running for the safety and warmth of our homes where we turn on fireplaces and crank on space heaters. 

However, it is the unfortunate fact that house fires skyrocket in the winter months, and many of these fires are caused by some sort of malfunction or accident with space heaters and fireplaces. We want you to stay safe while staying warm this winter, so check out the helpful tips below. 

Staying Toasty by the Fire
Who doesn’t love curling up by a nice warm fire while it snows outside? While fireplaces can provide the warmth and ambiance you need, it is important that your fireplace has been prepped ahead of time to be as safe as possible.

Keep flammable decor items off of the mantle and far away from the fireplace grate and check to make sure your smoke detectors have fresh batteries at all times. 

If you have a wood-burning fireplace, keep the ash buildup to a minimum and have your chimney cleaned regularly to remove creosote buildup. If you have an electric or gas fireplace, check the lines before you turn it on each time to make sure you aren’t experiencing a leak or dangerous malfunction with the gas or electricity. 

Tips for Space Heaters

Did you know that space heaters contribute to over a thousand house fires every year across the country? That’s a lot of heater mishaps that end in disaster! We all love space heaters for their portability, but that is also one of the reasons why they can be such fire hazards. 

If you have a space heater or two in your home, be sure to set them up on a hard, nonflammable surface. As you set yours up, be sure the cord isn’t fraying or loose and make sure it is far enough away from the wall and flammable materials like couch cushions or curtains.

Aim to create a three-foot barrier around your heater to keep out curious kids and less-than-graceful pets, and only have it running while you are present in the room. Turn off and unplug your heater any time you leave the room or before going to bed for the night.

Safety Features to Look Out For 

While we can’t completely prevent fire accidents from occurring, we can all take steps to reduce our risk on a daily basis. For example, many fireplaces nowadays have protective screens that can fit over the hearth to keep out kids, pets and flammable possessions.

When it comes to space heaters, do your research before purchasing one. Cheaper or off-brand heaters might be enticing, but keep in mind that quality is crucial when it comes to ensuring your safety. 

The company you choose should have a high safety and quality rating. In addition, you should check to see if the space heater in question has a safety shutoff switch. If you are forgetful or have a hard time remembering to set alarms on your phone, having a backup shutoff switch that is programmed to turn off the heater after a period of use is a great safety feature.  

Finally, be sure your space heater’s cord is at least six feet long and is well-made. We hope you finish out the winter season safe and warm! Call SERVPRO of Oxford/Batesville/Clarksdale for a quick restoration if you do suffer from fire damage this season. 

House fires can cause extensive damage in seconds. Contact SERVPRO of Oxford/Batesville/Clarksdale right away.