Summer is an amazing time to enjoy your garden and home. But did you know that there are so many hazards to be aware of in the summer months?
The number one hazard in summer, is fire in the home. This is probably because it is BBQ season, and we have things like candles and fairy lights on and might wander more from outside in the garden to inside the home.
Check out these aspects in your home to prevent a fire this summer:
Candles
Candles are very pretty and widely used outside in gardens or inside as the air gets warmer and cooler. Make sure that you keep them only on fireproof surfaces and blow them out after you leave them.
Keep them away from plants and things like pillows and curtains in case the flames catch them from the wind.
Even things like Jacuzzis they should not have candles near them in case they fall or burn out as this has electricals which could cause a fire easily.
Nowadays there are some great battery or solar powered candles and lights that work really well.
Fire Safety
Make sure that in your home everyone has a clear fire escape route from upstairs and downstairs and you would know what to do in the unlikely event of a fire.
Keep smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors and fire extinguishers in your home, placed upstairs and in a kitchen where most fire hazards happen.
Make sure all your family members know how to work a fire extinguisher except of course for young children.
Check smoke and carbon monoxide detectors every six months for battery life and to check that they are in good working order.
Another item to have in your kitchen alongside these are items fire blankets so that you can easily put out a fire.
BBQ Season
Prevent any fires this summer by keeping your grill clean. Build-ups of fat and grease left over can cause big flare ups of fire.
Keep your grill a safe distance away from your home and any walls and especially away from any grass or trees as these can all be ignited easily.
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and many builders recommend placing your grill at least 10 feet away from any structure, including overhangs that are flammable, such as awnings. A less conservative recommendation is at least 3 feet away from a house, usually given by manufacturers.
Make sure your BBQ is on a stable support and not likely to collapse suddenly.
Never leave your BBQ unattended and make sure it is fully out before you go back inside.
Firepits
Firepits and fireplaces are very popular in the summer. Make sure they are cleaned regularly, and chimneys are not blocked.
Avoid using water to put a fire out with water unless it’s an emergency. Bury flames with ashes and cause the fire to die out slowly.
Keep a safe distance of 6ft from the edge of the fire to keep safe.
Mirrors and Glass
Be aware that any type of mirrors and glass that reflect the sun on a hot day can start off a fire so make sure these are not left to reflect for long periods of times.
Another thing to be aware of is that if mirrors or glass are heated up to a certain point, then they can shatter and smash which is another safety hazard.
Keep Cool
Keep your house cool by opening doors and windows at night to let the cool air in.
Keep handy shades and blinds down on windows when it gets hot to stop the sun coming in and warming up the house too much.
Plant trees to create shady areas and use umbrellas outside to keep decking/areas cool and so you can keep things there that might be a fire hazard instead of out in the glaring sun.
Finally, always keep any firelighters or matches inside in a kitchen draw and never leave them outside as this is a very obvious but common hazard for starting summer fires.
Call a professional restoration company such as ZGreen Restoration who will be able to advice on any fire hazards or repair any fire damage to your home. ZGreen Restoration have commercial trade cleaning products, safety equipment and who will be able to restore your garden or home back to a wonderful state if you find it overwhelming.
Call us at ZGreen Restoration for help or checks on your home. We are open 365 days a year, 24 hours a day and offer a FREE, no obligation quote.
Call us for a free quote 24/7 on 408-212-6034
www.zgreenrestoration.com
