Fire Safety Tips for Every Season

No matter the season, understanding your fire risks and implementing practical strategies can significantly reduce the likelihood of a devastating event. 

Whether it’s a dry winter night, a breezy spring afternoon, or a sweltering summer day, every season in Chicagoland comes with specific fire hazards. Knowing what to look out for and how to stay prepared will help keep your property and loved ones safe. 

At PuroClean of Evanston, our team has extensive experience helping property owners recover from fire and smoke damage. Over the years, we’ve unfortunately seen many that could have possibly been prevented with vigilance and regular maintenance. Here are our experts’ essential fire safety tips for every season.

Summer: Stay Safe and Keep Cool

Chicago’s summers can be scorching, and with increased outdoor activities come additional fire risks. 

According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), gas-fueled and charcoal grills are involved in nearly 1,000 residential structure fires each year in the US, usually from being placed too close to the home or other combustibles. 

Since using grills indoors is even more dangerous, be sure to place your grill well away from siding, deck railings, or overhanging branches, and at least 10 feet away from your home. Keep children and pets away from the area, and always use long-handled tools designed specifically for grilling.

Many families love to gather around a fire pit on summer nights for s’mores and stories, either at home or while enjoying one of the Upper Midwest’s many gorgeous parks and campgrounds. It’s crucial to use tents made of flame-retardant material, pitched at least 15 feet upwind from grills and fire pits. ALWAYS extinguish outdoor fires safely and completely, and never leave a fire unattended.

While the 4th of July fireworks can be thrilling and fun, it’s best to enjoy public shows put on by the experts. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) reported that an estimated 9,700 people were treated in emergency rooms for fireworks-related injuries in 2023.

Summer in Chicagoland often brings severe thunderstorms, which can produce tornadoes, damaging winds, and lots of lightning, which is the main natural cause of forest fires worldwide. Take steps to protect your residence from lightning strikes with these tips from Progressive Insurance.

Fall & Winter: Preventing Fires When Staying Warm

Staying toasty during our sometimes viciously cold weather can be a challenge, but be forewarned that house fires are more common during the winter months, with heating, holiday decorations, and candles all contributing to an increased risk.

Fall decorations, particularly Halloween and Thanksgiving décor, often involve flammable materials. Keep decorations away from open flames and heat sources. If you’re using holiday lights, avoid overloading outlets or using damaged wires that could spark a fire.

Heating equipment is one of the leading causes of home fires in the winter months. Furnaces, fireplaces, wood stoves, and space heaters need to be properly maintained and used carefully to prevent accidental fires.

Before the cold sets in, schedule a professional inspection of your heating system. A well-maintained furnace not only operates more efficiently but also reduces the risk of fire. Replace filters regularly, ensure that all vents are clear of obstructions, and don’t block airflow around the furnace.

Fireplaces and wood stoves need to be cleaned regularly to prevent creosote buildup, a leading cause of chimney fires. Keep a screen in front of open flames and extinguish the fire before going to bed or leaving the house.

Candles create a cozy atmosphere but can quickly become dangerous if left unattended. Make sure to place candles in sturdy holders and blow them out when leaving the room or trying to sleep. 

Spring: Fire Prevention and Fresh Air

Spring is synonymous with deep cleaning and refreshing your home, making it the perfect time to address potential fire hazards while tackling cleaning and other improvement projects.

Now is the perfect time to inspect your smoke alarms and fire extinguishers. Replace the batteries in smoke alarms and test each unit to ensure it’s working properly. Fire extinguishers should be inspected for any damage and replaced if expired or not functioning. Every home should have at least one extinguisher on each floor.

Clutter, especially near heat sources, can be a significant fire hazard. Piles of paper, clothing, and other flammable materials should be removed or stored safely away from heaters, stoves, and electrical outlets. Here are some handy tips for conquering clutter in your home from the experts at The Spruce.

Spring cleaning is also a great time to check your dryer vents for lint buildup, a major cause of house fires. Clean both the lint filter and the vent pipe to ensure proper airflow. 

Your home maintenance checklist should include a close look at your home’s electrical system. Check for frayed or bare wires, and utilize surge protectors whenever possible. If you’re using major appliances like refrigerators or washing machines, plug them directly into wall outlets rather than using extension cords to reduce the risk of an electrical fire.

When Disaster Strikes

Unfortunately, accidents do happen and it’s not always possible to prevent a fire in your home or business. However, it’s vital to be proactive and do whatever you can to minimize your risk.

Develop and practice a fire escape plan with your family. Identify two ways out of each room if possible and designate a meeting place outside. Rehearse your fire safety plan twice a year to ensure everyone knows what to do in an emergency.

If the unthinkable happens, we’re here to help. Our Paramedics of Property Damage™ are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week — save our contact information today!