From Bonfires to Candles: Fall Fire Safety for Every Occasion

As autumn approaches, most people find themselves getting excited about the cooler weather, pumpkin spice lattes, and all things fall. However, amidst all the fun, it’s essential to remember to prioritize fall fire safety during this time. With Halloween decorations appearing and an increase in the use of heating devices, staying cautious is critical. It’s vital to keep in mind a few crucial fall fire safety tips to ensure a happy and healthy season for everyone. A little extra care can go a long way in keeping you and your loved ones safe. Let’s enjoy the fall season, but let’s also be proactive about preventing fires.

Fall Fire Safety Tips

• Change Smoke/Carbon Detector Batteries and Test the Alarms. Changing your smoke and carbon monoxide detector batteries is a big part of fall fire safety. This ensures the alarms don’t fail when you turn the heat on in your home. Don’t forget to test the smoke alarms after inserting the new batteries. Check that all fire extinguishers in your home are also in working order.
• ThoroughlyCheck and Service Your Heating Units:
  • Have your HVAC system inspected, cleaned, and serviced by a certified HVAC contractor. Check and replace furnace filters with high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters. 
  • If you use space heaters, keep at least three feet of space around them. Don’t place fabrics on space heaters to dry, as they are flammable and can spark a fire. Always turn the heaters off when going to bed. 
  • Prefer to rely on your fireplace instead? Hire a professional chimney sweep to inspect and clean your chimney before starting the season’s first fire. Keep flammable objects at least three feet away from the fireplace and place a mesh metal screen around it. If children and pets are in your household, ensure they don’t get too close to the fireplace.

• Halloween Safety. Can’t wait to decorate your home and plan scary costumes for Halloween? Remember that fall fire safety comes first. Arrange decorations away from open flames and other heat sources, and use battery-operated lights instead of candles in jack-o-lanterns. We strongly advise you not to use real candles to decorate your home and instead opt for flameless candles or other alternative light sources.
• Outdoor Fire Risks. As leaves and other flammable debris accumulate around your home, practice good fall fire safety action and make it a habit to remove them periodically. Prune trees and rake up leaves and twigs. Clear your roof, gutters, and downspouts of debris, and remove remaining fuel from lawnmowers before storing them for winter. Store excess gasoline in leak-proof containers and out of children’s reach, preferably in a detached garage or shed. 
• Create a Fire Escape Plan. And be sure to review it often! Emergency preparedness is key. If a fire breaks out unexpectedly, you and members of your household will know what to do. Designate an escape route for each area of your home and establish a meeting place outside. When conducting a mock fire escape, practice exiting low to the ground to avoid smoke inhalation. 

Contact PuroClean of San Dimas for 24/7 Fire Damage Restoration! 

A property fire is a disaster that can turn your life upside down. Not only do you have to deal with the shock of the moment, but you also have to face the immense aftermath of the disaster. The damage can be extensive, leaving you with the overwhelming task of restoring your property and sorting out the soot or smoke damage. Thankfully, at PuroClean of San Dimas, we specialize in fire damage restoration in San Dimas. Our experienced technicians will restore your property and alleviate any distress you might experience. Day or night, you can count on us to be there for you. Please contact us at (909) 830-8900 to learn more.