Fire Safety during the summer months is important. When you mention seasonal fire hazards, many people think about wintertime – holiday lights, fireplaces, and space heaters are obvious culprits. However, summer is a peak season for injuries and even deaths due to fires.

At RestorePro Inc, we have a lot of experience in fire damage restoration. We have been in business since 1997, and have seen many of our friends and neighbors’ properties damaged. While our team has the skills and experience to make sure your home is returned to pre-fire condition, we would rather you stay safe and enjoy your summer holidays. Follow these safety tips to reduce your chances of needed our help this year.

Use common sense. Fires should only be lit in safe places. Ideally, use an established fire pit or a portable fireplace. If these aren’t available, clear an area of dirt and dig a hole for your firewood. Surround it with stones and make sure vegetation and other flammable materials are several yards away. These measures keep stray sparks from setting an accidental fire.

When building bonfires, remember that a smaller fire is always safer. While big fires are impressive and fun, they can get out of control quickly. Always have a way to put out the fire. A shovel along with dirt or sand, a water hose, or a purchased extinguisher are all good options.

When cooking out on a barbecue or grill, make sure young children stay a safe distance away. Burns are unfortunately common, and playing children can knock over some styles of grills, cause a fire. Don’t store lighter or starter fluid nearby, and never fill fuel canisters near an open flame.

Fireworks are a big part of many summertime celebrations, but they can also cause severe injuries and fires. This is partly because when fireworks are present, alcohol often is also. Make sure that the people handling your fireworks are not impaired. Only use products that are legal in your area and come from a trusted seller. It’s also important not to use products intended for professional displays. They often have a larger clearance radius and can cause serious injury if handled improperly.

Any time you are going to be using fire, grills, or fireworks, children and pets should be carefully supervised. Know your local emergency numbers, and make sure that everyone present knows what to do if a fire does get out of hand. Teach kids to “Stop, Drop, and Roll,” and practice it with them.

We have seen many homes damaged by fires. While sometimes there is nothing that you can do to avoid it, often there is. Make sure that you have working smoke or fire detectors, and check the batteries regularly. Your home should be easy to find and identify from the street for emergency workers. If it isn’t clearly marked, update the address on your mailbox or other signage.

The summer months are a great time to relax and enjoy the outdoors. Fireworks, bonfires, and outdoor cooking are an integral part of summer for many people. If you do experience a fire, call RestorePro Inc at 1-800-847-0114 and our experts will be there to help you.