Top Causes of Summer Fires...Protect Your Home Now!

6/8/2020 (Permalink)

Summer is a time of fun, sun and laid back days here in Kentucky. But it can also be a time for fires. Read below to discover the top three causes of summer fires and how to protect your family and home from falling victim to one. 

Grill Fires

Grilling can be a fun summertime activity and a family get together favorite. But it can also be a fire hazard. The most common issues with grill fires involve charcoal, coal or broken equipment. 

Before grilling, always inspect the grill and ensure that tanks, ignitors and other parts are properly connected and in  working order before you start. Also, make sure to clean the grill and drip pans between each use and be aware of your surroundings. Make sure that the grill is placed in a well ventilated area; away from structures and tree branches. 

Air Conditioning Fires

During midday, when it's the hottest outside, is an especially high risk time for AC units to catch on fire. This is usually due to the unit or wiring being overloaded by constant operation. 

To help prevent this from happening to your AC, ensure that the unit and wiring are in good working order before temperatures heat up. Check around the unit and clear out any materials that could catch fire if the unit does experience a malfunction. Finally, keeping windows and doors closed during the day, running ceiling fans and keeping blinds shut can not only ease the burden on your unit, but may also help lower your energy bills. Win, win!

Fireworks and Chemicals

Fireworks and combustible substances are another source of summer fires. To prevent these fires, handle fireworks carefully and only operate in a safe environment. These should be used according to directions and ignited in an open area, away from structures and trees. 

Any chemicals that could be combustible should be moved out of garages, sheds and outbuildings (where the temperatures may rise exponentially) and stored in a cool basement or other area to remove the threat of combustion. 

No one wants to experience a home fire. A little preparation and caution is all it takes to better protect your family and your home. But if you do find your Hardin/Larue County home in need of fire mitigation; we're "Always Here to Help". Just give us a call at 270-360-0448.