Fireproof Your Autumn Activities | SERVPRO® of West Milwaukee

10/11/2021 (Permalink)

Be mindful about fall fire safety. Always remember that SERVPRO of West Milwaukee is the trusted leader in the restoration industry.

It’s delightfully mild outside, there’s football available on TV constantly and seemingly everything carries the aroma of pumpkin spice. That can only mean that it’s fall in Milwaukee again, and you’ve probably got big plans to hit the trail or host Halloween parties on the horizon.

As with any season, fall has a few particular needs of note regarding fire safety, so as you plan, do keep these in mind.

Campfire Safety

The proper and safe ignition of a campfire is as important as proper and safe extinguishment.

Start simply, with kindling and a lighter or match. Resist the temptation to use potentially dangerous accelerants like kerosene or lighter fluid, and always keep your fire 25 feet clear of any structures or tents.

When you’re leaving or finished with the fire, use water to repeatedly snuff the flames and ash, until the pile is cool to the touch and no live embers remain to cause trouble.

Leaf Burning

The beautiful autumn leaves are, or will soon be, falling—if you don’t want to compost them or have them hauled away, you may choose to burn them, provided you acquire a permit first.

Only include organic material like leaves and sticks in your pile or burn barrel. Never burn anything manmade, as it’s both unsafe and against the law. Keep your activities 50 feet from the home, and follow all local guidelines regarding burn times and other factors.

Space Heaters

Portable space heaters may be your go-to appliances for keeping extra toasty without heating the whole house, but they’re also a major source of home fires.

Plug them straight into the wall, with no extension cords. Update to a new model with sensors for tipping over or overheating, and keep them at least three feet from anything that could catch fire with intense heat—that includes your clothes!

Halloween

We’ll likely come back to this in detail, but be mindful that any Halloween and fall decorations bear a degree of risk for fire safety, particularly candles, hanging decor and string lights. Celebrate safely!

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.

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