According to authorities, Southwest Florida is experiencing weather conditions that could make brush fire season potentially more dangerous. Low humidity conditions may make things more comfortable in Florida heat, but they can also turn one spark into a huge fire – especially in windy weather.
If you want to prevent property damage and burn injuries in your Miami or Florida home, authorities have several tips:
1) Be careful when grilling.
Although Florida weather allows for year-round barbecue season, keep in mind that grills and barbecues can easily lead to fires. If you have any grill or open flame outdoors, make sure that it is properly supervised at all times. Keep the flame well away from trees, decks, bushes, and other flammable surfaces. The best place to set up your fire pit or grill is well away from your home or garage, on a cement surface that is far from anything flammable. Keep water or a fire extinguisher handy in case the flames get out of hand and be sure that everything is completely extinguished before heading inside. Never try to bring a grill, barbecue, or fire pit indoors or into any enclosed space.
2) Be careful with cigarettes.
Cigarettes are one of the leading causes of house fires. All too often, residents fall asleep while smoking or leave a cigarette burning on a surface near flammables. The best way to prevent these fires is to use a good ashtray, one that allows you to stub out cigarettes and is thick enough to absorb any lingering heat. Empty your ashtrays regularly and never leave burning cigarettes unattended.
3) Consider less-obvious sources of fire.
A hot muffler sitting on dry grass can cause fires, according to fire fighters. Overheated lamps near a stack of papers can also cause fires. Another common cause of flames is electricity. Bad wiring, excessive use of extension cords, and worn appliance cords can all lead to sparks and flame, so check your appliances and wiring for any issues. Do an occasional walk-through of your home and fix any potential problems immediately.
4) Check your smoke detectors.
Most residences now need to use wired smoke detectors or smoke detectors with tamper-resistant permanent batteries designed to last ten years. If you have older smoke detectors that rely on traditional batteries, consider exchanging them for the more modern and efficient models. Make sure that there are adequate numbers of smoke detectors in your home and install carbon monoxide detectors for added protection.
5) Keep fire extinguishers on hand.
At the very least, keep one fire extinguisher on every floor, with additional extinguishers near any outdoor grill and an extinguisher each in the garage and the kitchen. Check the devices periodically to make sure they are still working.
6) Review your fire escape and fire evacuation plan.
Smoke detectors can tell you when you need to get out of the house, but do you know how to do so safely? Have a fire escape plan for every room and make sure that everyone in your household understands how to get out safely. Have a designated spot outside where you can meet up. If you have a home with more than one story, keep in mind that upstairs rooms may require a fire escape ladder to help your family members escape safely.
Have you been injured in a fire or suffered burn injuries as a result of an accident? Contact Flaxman Law Group today for a no cost, no commitment case review to find out whether you may have a legal claim.