Fall is in the air, so are Fire Hazards!

10/8/2021 (Permalink)

Y’all feel it? The sweltering summer heat and dripping-wet humidity are finally backing off, leaves are showing their colors, and there are football games popping up everywhere.

Yes, everything is in place for the triumphant return of fall. Final warm-day plans are in place, and orange and brown decorations are going up everywhere.

As you welcome in the mild, crisp autumn air, let fire safety for the new season be part of your plans as well.

Campfire Safety

Fall may be the best time of year for camping. You’ll likely start a fire for nighttime warmth or roasting s’mores, but be sure that you both build and extinguish it safely.

Make sure any structures, tents or vehicles are at least 25 feet away. Only light your kindling with a normal lighter or matches; never employ the use of kerosene or lighter fluid to start or accelerate your fire. Then you can safely build the rest of your fire.

Never leave your fire to burn by itself while you’re out hiking, and extinguish it completely before you break camp by dousing it repeatedly until there are no embers remaining.

Leaf Burning

By now, your front yard is likely covered with dead leaves, and you want those gone for the sake of your grass. You have a few options—have them hauled away, mulch or compost them, or burn them.

If you opt to burn your trimmings and leaves, be sure you first acquire a permit from Georgia Forestry, and alert your local fire station that you’ll be burning.

Also, be aware that it’s illegal and hazardous to burn anything like household garbage, or anything inorganic.

If you have a metal barrel in which to burn your leaves, that’s best. And make sure your fire is safely away (50 feet or more) from your home or any flammable structures.

Halloween

We’ll likely get into more detail on this later, but as you decorate, keep fire safety in mind.

Hanging decorations and cobwebs during the season of pumpkin-scented candles and bonfires can be more dangerous than you realize, especially if you’re hosting spooky-season parties with adult beverages involved.

If a fire hazard should turn from potential to reality in your home, remember the trusted leader in the recovery industry and contact SERVPRO to get your property fully restored right down to the smell of smoke.