The Increase & Prevention of Winter Fires in Wappingers homes | SERVPRO® of Western Dutchess County

12/10/2019 (Permalink)

You can take precautions to help prevent winter fires in your Dutchess County home.

While winter brings about colder temperatures and increased snowfall, it can also bring a higher likelihood of residential fires in the Hudson Valley.

In any given year, winter is the most common time for residential fires to begin. While not all of the common winter fire causes are specific to the season, they are more common during cooler weather and thus increase the chances for a fire to occur.

Behind the Increased Likelihood of Winter Fires:

An Increase in Cooking-
At any time of year, cooking errors are the No. 1 cause of residential fires in the country, but even this statistic is increased in the wintertime. With more baking, holiday meals and group cooking opportunities, the chances for a cooking error tend to become higher during the winter months, leading to an increased fire rate.

The Risk of Heaters-
Wood stoves, fireplaces and space heaters are all common forms of auxiliary heating during cold weather, and as long as precautions are taken, they are generally safe. However, errors in heating are the second leading cause behind residential fires during the winter months, making safety features and supervision an essential part of these methods.

Candles and Decorations-
Safety in decorating is not commonly discussed, but candles and other decorations are another leading cause of residential wintertime fires. Candles are inherently hazardous due to the open flame—it can spread to surrounding areas if conditions are right. For electronics, frayed wires and general overheating can pose a fire risk, so it is important to be cautious with those as well.

Prevention Tips for Wintertime Fires:

Understanding the common causes of winter fires is an important step in prevention. By going about these hazardous activities with a safety-focused mindset and keeping the below tips in mind, individuals can help prevent any accidental fires from occurring this season:

• Check smoke alarms once every 30 days and replace every 10 years.
• Always monitor open flames.
• Select space heaters with automatic shut-offs in case they tip over.
• Utilize a screen every time you use a fireplace.
• Draft and practice an emergency escape plan with your household.

If your home has been impacted by a fire, call us right away. We are leaders in restoration and can help you recover quickly after a fire occurs.