Fire damage in Grand Blanc and surrounding communities can occur any time of year. While summer is here for another month, it is a good time to be sure that your home and business are safe from the many fire hazards of autumn. Learn about some common causes of fires in Grand Blanc, Davison, Lapeer, and other communities.
Fire Restoration in Grand Blanc: Practice Bonfire Safety
As the weather cools, many of us like to sit around a fire pit in the backyard with friends. It is a fun, relaxing way to spend a fall evening. However, not only are many injuries caused by outdoor home fires, property damage can occur as well. You can avoid these devastating accidents by following some simple rules.
Keep your fire at least 25 feet away from your home, pole barn, garage, or large trees. Use an open, level location. Before starting the fire, be sure to clear out any old dry leaves and sticks, as these can serve as kindling for embers and cause a fire, much like we see out West currently.
Never use gasoline, kerosene, or other flammable liquids to start your fire. Use a match or lighter to ignite kindling and tinder (small dry sticks and leaves). You can even use the materials you cleared out of the way!
While bonfires are impressive, for safety reasons, you should keep your fire small and manageable. Never leave a fire unattended.
Don’t stand or sit too close to any fire, no matter the size. Do not attempt to jump over it. Keep children from playing near the fire, and do not wrestle or horse around, as this can lead to serious injury.
Keep a hose, bucket of water, or a shovel and dirt nearby to extinguish the fire. Be sure the fire is completely out before leaving it, as embers can ignite and have devastating consequences.
Fire Restoration in Grand Blanc: Halloween Decor Can Cause Scary Fires
So many festive decorations during fall can ignite and cause fire damage in Grand Blanc homes. Corn stalks, hay bales, crepe paper and other materials are highly flammable and should be used with caution. The National Fire Protection Association says flammable decorations are the first things to ignite in 900 reported home fires each year. One of the worst offenders are candles, which cause 2 in every 5 home fires.
Decorate safely by using these tips:
Don’t put decorations near open flames and other heat sources, such as light bulbs and heaters.
Check that any decorative lights have been tested for safety by a recognized testing laboratory. Examine each set of lights for broken sockets, frayed wires or loose connections, and discard any damaged sets. Be careful not to overload sockets when plugging in lights and other electronic decorations.
Consider glow sticks or battery-operated candles instead of real candles when lighting your jack-o’-lanterns or other luminaries. If you do use real candles, light them with long, fireplace-style matches or a utility lighter. Keep lit decorations off of doorsteps, yards and sidewalks where excited trick-or-treaters may knock them over.
Check that no decorations are blocking your home’s exits or pathways, so you have a clear escape route in case of an emergency.
It isn’t only the decorations that can pose a danger. Remember to be careful about children’s costumes as well. Trick or Treating can be a time to work on fire safety also:
Avoid costumes with loose, trailing fabrics or other hanging parts, which can catch fire on open flames. Check the labels on costumes, wigs and props to be sure they are made with flame resistant or retardant materials.
Double-check that the eyeholes in masks are large enough that children can see and avoid any trips or falls, or brushes with open flames. If visibility is an issue, use makeup or face paint instead of masks.
Provide flashlights or glow sticks to carry for lighting, and use glow-in-the-dark reflective tape on costumes for extra visibility near roads.
Practice the “stop, drop and roll” technique. This is a great time of the year for adults to teach children about fire safety, as well as first aid measures if someone gets hurt.
Talk with children about fire safety before heading out, reminding them to stay away from open flames.
Fire Restoration in Grand Blanc: Burn Leaves Safely
One of the many signs of autumn in Grand Blanc are falling leaves. This means lots of yard work ahead. While it is illegal to burn leaves in Grand Blanc and many other communities, we know it happens. If you’re going to take the risk, do so safely.
However, there are many safe and legal alternatives to burning leaves:
Recycling: Tree limbs, grass clippings, leaves and brush can be composted, mulched or chipped into landscaping material.
Scheduling a Pickup: Many cities and towns provide curbside collection of bagged leaves, although there are limitations on what they will pick up — check with your local public works department.
Calling a Yard Waste or Junk Removal Service: They will take the debris to the dump or recycling center.
Fire Restoration in Grand Blanc: What To Do After A Fire
