It’s officially fall in the south! Fall is one of those highly anticipated seasons, rolling in with its cooler weather and seasonal holidays.
Fire safety may not be on your mind while enjoying the fall season, but it should be. Be aware of fire hazards associated with the holidays and cooler weather to prevent fire or injuries associated with fire. Check out these fall fire safety tips to stay safe this fall season!
Know burn restrictions in your area
According to information from the Environmental Protection Agency, burning leaves produces dangerous and cancer-causing chemicals. Homeowners should avoid disposing of leaves this way. If you decide to burn leaves, wear a protective mask. Burning leaves should only be attempted far away from a house or other structure.
Always check the weather forecast before starting to burn leaves. Burning any yard debris should not be attempted in windy conditions. Check your local area burn restrictions before doing any burning.
Watch where you display decorations
Be mindful that fall decorations do not block exits and be mindful of where decorations are displayed. Fall decorations can interfere with the fire alarm system if hung from sprinkler heads for example. This blocks the nozzles and prevents them from properly working.
Fog machines are another sometimes dangerous decoration that can cause smoke detectors to go off. Never take down a smoke detector, even for just a short time during a Halloween party. Relocate the machine instead.
Use battery-powered candles
The NFPA reports decorations are the first thing to ignite in 900reported home fires each year. Two of every five of these fires were started by a candle.
Placing candles in pumpkins poses serious fire hazards. Many people also make small paper bag lanterns to line their driveway or set in a window. Consider using battery-powered candles instead of the real thing.
Practice fire safety when camping
If you’re going camping this fall, practice campfire safety. Never build a campfire in hazardous conditions, or outside of approved areas if at a campground. If digging a fire pit, choose a site at least 15 feet from tents, shrubs, trees, etc.
When it’s time to extinguish the fire, allow the wood to burn to ash and douse the ash with water pouring until all hissing stops. Add dirt or sand and continue adding water until cool. Fire safety is especially important when camping!
Change smoke detector batteries
Get in the habit of changing the batteries in your smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors every fall when changing the clocks for Daylight Savings Time.
It’s also a good idea to make it a habit to verify all fire extinguishers are fully charged and in working order when you adjust the clocks each season.
Fire Systems, Inc.
Fire Systems is an all-services fire protection company specializing in inspecting, installing, designing, and repairing fire protection systems. Fire Systems works with a range of industries, from educational facilities to vehicle systems. Our mission to provide the highest quality fire protection services. We have over 30 years’ experience in the fire protection industry. Fire Systems cares about your building’s fire safety and make it a priority to keep you compliant. Call us today at 770-333-7979 or visit our website for more information.
