Local Experts Warn Residents, Business Owners of Winter Fire Risks
PuroClean's Paramedics of Property Damage Provide Tips to Property Owners to Prevent Cold Weather Fires
Brunswick, OH (Grassroots Newswire) 12/13/2010 -- During the winter months, the majority of the country experiences colder and wetter weather conditions, increasing the need for structural heating and causing the peak season for heating fires. According to FEMA, heating fires account for 36 percent of residential home fires in rural areas every year. When a fire occurs, PuroClean Professional Services is called to the scene, usually by a local insurance agent or adjuster, to bring the situation under control, prevent it from becoming worse, and finally, to provide restoration services to help put the property back to pre-loss condition.
PuroClean, known as "The Paramedics of Property Damage," is a professional mitigation company specializing in property remediation after a home or commercial structure has been damaged by fire and smoke. Emilio Soli, owner of PuroClean Professional Services serving Northeast Ohio, says, "Structural heating such as fireplaces or furnace malfunctions are a common cause of many of the fire mitigation calls we receive in the winter months."
With more than one-third of Americans using fireplaces and other fuel-burning appliances as a primary heat source, Soli provides the following tips to help reduce the risk of winter fires:
1 Keep fireplaces clean
- Have chimneys inspected and cleaned annually by a certified chimney specialist
- Clear the area around the hearth of debris, decorations and flammable materials
- Always use a metal screen with fireplaces and leave doors open while burning
2 Burn fuels safely
- Never use flammable liquids to start a fire
- Only use seasoned hardwood, not soft or moist wood
- Build small fires that produce less smoke
- Never burn boxes, trash or debris in a fireplace
- When building a fire, place logs at the rear of the fireplace
- Never leave a fire unattended, extinguish it before going to bed or leaving the house
- Soak hot ashes in water and place them in a metal container outside
3 Protect the outside of your home
- Stack firewood at least 30 feet away from your home
- Keep the roof clear of pine needles, leaves, etc.
- Cover chimney with a mesh screen spark arrester
- Remove branches hanging above the chimney, flues or vents
If property is damaged by a fire, it is important to call a fire restoration professional immediately. Soli said the faster the response, the greater the chance of saving property and possessions and minimizing insurance claims.
About PuroClean
PuroClean is a leader in property damage restoration and has earned the trust of property owners, insurance professionals and home service providers throughout the United States and Canada since 2001. Backed by a comprehensive network of more than 300 franchise offices and a national training and business support center, each PuroClean office responds promptly to property emergencies demonstrating a high degree of professionalism and compassion. PuroClean certified technicians are thoroughly screened, insured and trained in utilizing the latest in mitigation technology and procedures throughout the remediation process while operating under a strict code of ethics. In addition to serving the needs of property owners, PuroClean offers hundreds of continuing education classes each year to insurance professionals and property service providers nationwide. Last year, PuroClean trained more than 10,500 insurance professionals nationwide helping them earn their continuing education credits. For more information on PuroClean, please contact Emilio Soli at 866-944-PURO or visit www.PuroCleanProServices.com.
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