It seems strange to think of winter as a time known for fires; summer, with its blazing heat and dry grasses, seems the much better “fire season” candidate. Though winter may be cold and snowy, the American Red Cross rates January and December as “the peak months” for home fires.
As fire damage restoration pros, we at Intelligent Design Corporation are always here for you should the unthinkable happen. However, we also want to see your family stay safe from fires through this holiday season.
Here’s what you should keep an eye on in this respect during the chillier months.
Holiday Decorations
Sure, Santa on the rooftop may be cute, the twinkling tree lights merry, and that giant inflatable snowman you always put in your yard a neighborhood hit. But be careful things don’t go awry.
Holiday decor isn’t always stored in the most hospitable places (think sheds, basements, and attics), so the cords can quickly wear down, exposing wire and putting the surrounding area at risk.
Because of storage factors, you’ll also need to watch out for rodent damage that can cause the same thing. Chewed-through cords are certainly unsafe!
Space Heaters
In lieu of pricey fireplaces, many Minnesotan families opt for space heaters to warm a chilly room. While these can be toasty in a pinch, they’re a major drain on your energy bills, not to mention a potential fire hazard. Park something too close to one of these, and you’ll certainly see sparks fly.
Instead of wasting cash pumping heat into a room that will just lose it, consider hiring a window installation team, insulation contractors, or a similar branch of home professionals to investigate the source of the issue in the first place.
Not only will you save money in the long run, but you’ll also cut down on the number of fire hazards in your home. It’s a win-win!
Cooking
According to the U.S. Fire Administration, cooking is the leading cause of home fires, and across many families and cultures, time spent cooking tends to ramp up around the holiday season.
Luckily, there are several ways that kitchen fires can be prevented or avoided. Having your stove regularly serviced is, of course, one, but simple habits like watching what you microwave and placing hot foods far away from counter edges are great places to start.
Steps to Navigate a Home Fire
A house fire is a worst-case scenario; even with the right precautions, it can still occur. If you have experienced one, Intelligent Design Corporation has the right steps to start the restoration process.
1. Get an Assessment
Once the fire has been extinguished, you’re not only dealing with soot and damaged items; chances are you’ll have water damage on top of everything else. Our experts will work with you to review any damage and help with documentation, especially if you need to file an insurance claim.
2. Focus on Repairs
You will likely have areas that need to be repaired immediately, especially if it’s risking the rest of your property. So, start with the most important projects to prevent issues like unlawful entry or protection from the weather, especially if the home is vulnerable to these risks.
3. Check with Your Insurance
You’ll also need to start a claim with your insurance company and, in some cases, may cover loss of use to help pay for daily living expenses. Always keep a detailed record of receipts, communications with restoration companies, and proof of damages because the insurance company will require this.
4. Get the Restoration Process Started
Upon meeting with the adjuster, you may receive a lost claim with detailed information about any damages and compensation to complete immediate repairs. The Intelligent Design Corporation will take you through our streamlined process to recover your possessions and start restoring your home to its previous state.
Intelligent Design Corporation: Comprehensive Home Protection
From fire restoration to residential roofing services, we’re here to keep your family safe and your home looking great, top to bottom. Since 2001, our team has been working to provide full-service general contracting that our clients know and trust.
Our team is happy to answer all your questions, so contact us online or call our Maple Grove office today at 763-315-0745.
