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Things You Should Do and Things You Shouldn’t Do When You Have a Fire Outside | SERVPRO of Dublin/Vidalia/Claxton
9/18/2023 (Permalink)
Bonfire season is upon us! SERVPRO of Dublin/Vidalia/Claxton has your back with these helpful fire safety tips.
Have you felt any cool breezes in the air yet? Before we know it, fall will be here in full force and the hot and humid summer will start to feel like the distant past. For many, fall is a favorite season because of the change in the weather, but you have to admit the colorful leaves and pumpkin-flavored everything are fun as well.
As the nights get colder, many of us head outside to enjoy sweet family time around a fire. As you roast your marshmallows and eat more chocolate than you should, make sure you stay fire aware in order to keep your family safe.
A small fire can become a big problem quickly, but SERVPRO® is right around the corner to help. Not only can we start your recovery after a fire fast, but we also want to help you prevent a disaster in the first place.
As you make your plans to get a fire going, keep these things to do in mind:
Do pick a place that is in the open, away from any structures. Make sure you don’t pile your extra wood and brush near the flame either.
Do keep water nearby. If you are too far away from a faucet, fill up a bucket with water and have it within arms reach in case something happens. A shovel and some dirt can also be handy in putting out any rogue embers or flames.
Do check the weather. Even a fire pit that has a screen can become dangerous on windy days, especially if things have been dry for a while. Check on burning regulations as well to make sure there are no current bans.
Once you get your fire going, pay close attention, and keep in mind a few things not to do:
Don’t use any fuels except for approved, treated woods. Lighter fluid or gasoline should never be added to open flames and are not approved for use in fire pits. Don’t toss trash in either, since it could have a higher burning point than what your fire pit or bonfire ring can handle.
Don’t allow the kids to get near the fire. If they are roasting marshmallows, use a long stick or extendable forks. Running or walking near the flames should never be allowed to avoid accidents.
Don’t try and impress the neighborhood with a huge fire. The larger your flames, the less control you have. One too tall flame or large ember can make for a total backyard disaster.
Don’t leave the fire unattended. Stay outside until there are no longer red, glowing embers. Embers can spark back into flames even hours later. Put water on the fire when you are done, and relax nearby until it is completely out.
Most wildfires are started out of human error. If you are going to have an open flame outside, make sure you do what you can to keep it contained and avoid potential disasters. Make it small, stay nearby and use the right materials.
If your home ever experiences a fire, call SERVPRO. With 24⁄7 availability, we are always ready to help.
Fire can cause a lot of damage in a short amount of time. Contact us day or night for immediate assistance.