Winter Fire Damage: The 6 Most Common Causes of Home Fires in the Winter

2/9/2022 (Permalink)

Contact the professional at SERVPRO for emergency fire damage services!

One of the most common causes of home fires in the winter is the careless use of heaters and fireplaces.

Winter is a time when many people are busy celebrating the holidays with their loved ones. But unfortunately, this season can also be a dangerous time for homeowners because of the increased risk of home fires.

According to the National Fire Protection Association, winter is the most dangerous time of year for home fires. In fact, the professionals at SERVPRO of South Cobb receive more fire damage calls in the months of December, January, and February than any other month. There are several reasons for this, but one of the leading causes is faulty heating systems. In this blog post, we will discuss the most common causes of winter fires and what you can do to prevent them from happening in your home!

The most common causes of winter fires

It is essential to be aware of the potential hazards and take precautions accordingly to prevent winter fire damage in your home. The most common causes of winter fires are:

1. Malfunctioning heating systems
2. Faulty electrical wiring
3. Candles that are left unattended
4. Dirty fireplaces
5. Cooking accidents
6. Smoking in bed

How to prevent winter fires in your home

The most important thing you can do when preparing for winter fire damage is to be mindful of potential hazards and take precautions accordingly! Therefore, one of the best ways to prevent a winter fire in your home is to ensure your heating system is working correctly. If you have any problems with your heating system, be sure to have it serviced by an HVAC professional. You should also make sure that all of your electrical wirings are up to code and in good condition.

Another way to prevent winter fires is to be mindful of candles and other open flames. Never leave candles burning unattended, and make sure they are placed in a safe place where they cannot be easily knocked over.

It is equally as essential to keep your fireplace clean and free of debris. Be sure to have it inspected and cleaned regularly. Finally, always be careful when cooking in your kitchen and never leave the stove unattended.

What to do in case of a winter house fire

If a fire does happen in your home during the winter months, you must plan what to do next.

If the fire is small, you should try to extinguish it yourself. Use a fire extinguisher or baking soda if you do not have anything else on hand, and remember that the more quickly you put out a small fire, the less likely it will become severe.

If you experience a large fire in your home, it is essential to take the necessary steps to prevent further damage. Here are four things you should do:

1. Evacuate your home immediately and call the fire department. Do not try to put out the fire yourself – this is best left to the professionals!
2. Ensure all of your family members and pets are accounted for and safe.
3. Contact your insurance company as soon as possible. They will help you file a claim and start the process of restoring your home.
4. Have the interior of your home inspected by a professional fire damage restoration team. The right team will assess the damage and develop a plan for repairing your home.

Emergency fire restoration services for homeowners

If you experience a fire in your home during the winter months, the professionals at SERVPRO of South Cobb can respond immediately and help you through this difficult time. We are ready and willing to assist you with all your fire restoration needs 24 hours a day, seven days a week – 365 days a year!

Our experienced IICRC certified team offers various services to help you through a fire damage restoration claim. Please contact us today for more information!