Cooler Weather Means an Increase in House Fires

11/27/2018 (Permalink)

Fall and Winter often bring an increase in the number of people who have lost their homes, and sometimes their lives, due to house fires. Here are a few reasons why house fires typically happen more during the colder months:

More Time Spent Indoors

Colder weather means that most people find themselves wanting to make like a bear and hibernate. People are much more inclined to spend a lot more time at home curled up under a blanket with a cup of tea, or hot cocoa than they are outside socializing. Homeowners that are normally outside during the warmer months find themselves, their kids, and their pets spending days on end staying completely indoors. All of this time indoors means that the family is using more electricity and heat sources than usual which greatly increase the chances for a house fire.

Additional Heating Methods

Most people use multiple heating sources during the winter on top of their normal furnace usage. Space heaters and fireplaces are all used to help create extra warmth or beautiful ambiance during the cold seasons. Knowing how to properly use a space heater can potentially avoid it from causing a fire. It is best to make sure you are not placing it near anything that could catch on fire, to not leave it too close to any fabrics or your bed and not to leave it unattended. When purchasing a space heater trying to look for and purchase one with safety features that’ll turn off by itself if knocked over or if it becomes too hot. It is especially important in keeping your home safe this winter. Fireplaces should always be watched and attended to and not left alone to burn.  It is common for sparks and burning wood to fly out from the flames, even around some fireplace screens. These can easily catch carpet and nearby flammables on fire.

Cooking

Most fires that happen inside homes during the winter are ignited from cooking. The colder weather forces most of us to cook indoors instead of using the outdoor grill. All of the extra meals, especially large holiday ones, increase the chances of a house fire. Making sure someone is always present and paying attention while a meal is cooking is key to keeping your home safe. 

If your home does experience a fire, the professionals at SERVPRO of Harrisonburg/Rockingham County are here for you. We can be reached 24/7 at 540-433-6100.