Winter Fire Safety Tips for Southeastern Wisconsin

The temperatures are plummeting here in Southeastern Wisconsin; as the temperatures drop, statistics show that home fires will rise. And as home fires rise, so does the fire and water damage that these fires leave behind.

According to the US Fire Administration,” The high cost of home heating fuels and utilities has caused many Americans to search for alternate sources of home heating. The use of wood burning stoves is growing and space heaters are selling rapidly, or coming out of storage. Fireplaces are burning wood and manmade logs. All these methods of heating may be acceptable. They are, however, a major contributing factor in residential fires. Many of these fires can be prevented.”

Some sobering fire statistics:

• 905 people die in winter home fires each year.
• $2,091,000,000 in property loss occurs from winter home fires.
• 67 percent of winter fires occur in one- and two-family homes.
• Cooking is the leading cause of all winter home fires.
• 5 to 8 p.m. is the most common time for winter home fires.

We wanted to share some of their safety tips and have them listed below. Please read them, they could very well save your life. For the complete list of tips, head here.

• Be sure your heater is in good working condition. Inspect exhaust parts for carbon buildup. Be sure the heater has an emergency shut off in case the heater is tipped over.
• Never use fuel burning appliances without proper room venting. Burning fuel (coal, kerosene, or propane, for example) can produce deadly fumes.
• When using a fuel burning appliance in the bedroom, be sure there is proper ventilation to prevent a buildup of carbon monoxide.
• Leave furnace repairs to qualified specialists. Do not attempt repairs yourself unless you are qualified. Inspect the walls and ceiling near the furnace and along the chimney line. If the wall is hot or discolored, additional pipe insulation or clearance may be required.
• Keep trash and other combustibles away from the heating system.
• Never use a range or an oven as a supplemental heating device. Not only is it a safety hazard, it can be a source of potentially toxic fumes.
• If you use an electric heater, be sure not overload the circuit. Only use extension cords which have the necessary rating to carry an amp load. (TIP: Choose an extension cord the same size or larger than the applicant electrical cord)
• Avoid using electrical space heaters in bathrooms or other areas where they may come in contact with water.
• If windows are used as emergency exits in your home, practice using them in the event fire should strike. Be sure that all windows open easily. Home escape ladders are recommended.
• If there is a fire hydrant near your home you can assist the fire department by keeping the hydrant clear of snow so in the event it is needed, it can be located.

AND FINALLY...

• Be sure every level of your home has a working smoke alarm, and be sure to check and clean it on a monthly basis.
• Plan and practice a home escape plan with your family.
• Contact your local fire department for advice if you have a question on home fire safety.

From beginning to end, we can handle 100% of the restoration process so you don’t have to. This can include content pack-outs, cleaning & storage of personal property, structural drying & mitigation, mold remediation, lead & asbestos abatement, and full re-construction services. We are licensed, bonded, and fully insured. We abide by all state and federal laws, and are certified as a “Lead Safe Renovator” with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and accredited with the IICRC.

For more information on Emergency Fire & Water Restoration, or the services we provide, give us a call at 414-810-3522, or visit our website at www.emergencyrest.com