By: Mary Thompson, Capstone Brokerage President, July 2, 2014
Well folks if you haven’t noticed… Summer is here. This week here in Vegas our temps have been around 110-115. We have had high heat warnings crossing the television screens and the news is reminding us to take our pets indoors and keep young and elderly hydrated. It happens every summer like clock work, Vegas just HEATS up…
It seems like every year the summers seem even hotter then the last. Living in the middle of a desert I guess it is to be expected.Still, Las Vegas homeowners have to get used to the dry air and high temperatures that the summer months bring to the valley every year. Our neighbors in Southern California’s high and low desert can relate to some of our weather conditions.
A huge concern in the heat is not only the safety of individuals but also to homes. This weather is a breeding ground for house fires. The potential for house fires increases in the summer months especially in this dry heat. Las Vegas homeowners should try to be proactive in protecting their homes. Here are a few tips for keeping your home safe in these dry summer months:
- Take note of where you place your BBQ. Many fires start in the summer months due to a Barbeque being to close to a home. (Remember never to Barbeque indoors). Also be sure to clean your grill after each use, left over grease is a potential fire source.
- Don’t overload electrical outlets both indoors and outdoors. While entertaining outdoors be sure that you are not plugging too many things into electrical sockets. Outdoor electrical fires are more common in the summer months.
- Be sure all camp fires or backyard fire pits are at least 15 feet from any plant or material that can burn. Ashes and sparks can ignite a fire very quickly and become a big problem fast.
Also, remember to go over fire safety. It is always a good idea to go over what to do in case of a fire as a family. This is especially important if you have small children. Here is a list of examples of what to go over:
- Be sure everyone in the home knows to call 911 and knows how to dial it in a case of an emergency. Especially in today’s world where many homes no longer have a landlines, cell phones can be tricky for young children. Furthermore, it is good practice to keep cell phones in the same place as a routine.
- Plan exits out of your home. It is smart to have at least two exit plans from every room. (If you reside in a 2-story home, like many Las Vegas residences be sure to have an escape ladder.)
- Practice a fire drill with young children, it may seem silly at the time but it is proven to save lives.
- Pick a place to meet in the event of a fire that is away from the home, such as a tree, mailbox or any landmark that would be easy to remember for all family members.
- Homes with small children need to teach them NEVER to hide from the fire. Especially in closets or under beds (this could potentially make it hard for firefighters or rescue personnel to find them).
- Everyone should know to get out as quickly as possible. (Grabbing items is too risky) Remember things are replaceable people are not.
- Make sure they understand to NEVER to go back into a burning home for any reason.
- Check that all smoke detectors are working properly every few months. (Yes that annoying chirp has a purpose.)
Another summer fire hazard is fireworks. With Independence Day right around the corner take note of the dangers in fireworks and use all necessary precautions. See this firework safety handout from Fema. More fires occur on the 4th of July then any other day of the year. Public festivities where the experts are the ones lighting the match are always the safest route. Las Vegas puts on an amazing firework shows on the 4th of July all around the valley. (for a list of events click here)
Homeowners that have knowledge of fire safety are less likely to experience a house fire. This summer be sure to be educated in fire prevention to help protect your loved ones and your home. Although, homeowners insurance will cover most house fires physical damage, fire safety remains the best insurance to protecting your loved ones.
