Prevent Property Damage with This Easy Holiday Prep List

In a perfect world, the holidays are a time of joy and togetherness, where people put aside their differences and celebrate the season. The last thing anyone wants to think about is fire, water, or mold damage to their home. The truth is, unfortunately, that disasters don’t clock out for the holiday season. That’s especially true because safety hazards tend to spike while most of us are preoccupied with friends, family, and fellowship. In fact, Minnesota had 16 fire deaths in November and December of last year. 12 of those deaths occurred between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Eve.

That’s why, with the holidays in full swing, it’s essential to be mindful of potential water and fire hazards in your home. Here at UNGERMAN, we want you to have a wonderful holiday break, and you can’t do that if you’re worried about malfunctioning appliances or structural components.

By following these easy tips, you can keep your family and home safe when it matters most.

Take Steps to Prevent Structural Fires

According to the NFPA, in 2021, “An estimated 361,000 total residential structure fires (27 percent) caused 2,880 civilian deaths (76 percent); 11,500 civilian injuries (78 percent); and $8.9 billion in direct property damage (56 percent).” As a fire damage restoration company, our team at UNGERMAN has seen how horrible holiday-related structure fires can be. Consider these preventative steps to give yourself peace of mind this holiday season:

• Move flammable objects away from fireplaces or chimneys
• Only plug-in one high-wattage appliance at a time
• Turn pot and pan handles inward to avoid stove and oven accidents
• Don’t pinch extension cords between objects like couches or chairs to avoid wire damage

Check Your Sump Pump

In spring, the rainy season hits Minnesota, and many homeowners living close to rivers and bodies of water deal with flooding. Be sure you’re prepared by inspecting your sump pump. Sump pumps are reliable in general, but it’s a good idea to make sure yours is in good working shape before the New Year starts. If you notice any red flags, have it repaired ASAP. Doing so could save you time, money, and property damage down the line.

Place Candles in Safe Areas

Fire damage can be catastrophic and require days, weeks, and even months of fire restoration. One simple way to avoid fires in your home this holiday season is to keep candles away from objects like live Christmas trees, clothes, and holiday decorations. Here are a few other suggestions to consider:

• Keep candles spaced away from each other
• Keep candles a safe distance away from flammable objects
• Keep candles on non-flammable surfaces
• Make sure candles are extinguished before leaving your home or going to bed

Clean Your Gutters

Gutter cleaning is an often-overlooked task that can lead to severe water and even fire damage. If you can do so safely, clear your gutters and downspouts of leaves and other debris from autumn. Doing so will help ensure water is directed away from your home instead of into your foundation, which can cause leaks, water damage, and mold growth. Checking this chore off your list now will save you time and money when spring showers are prevalent.

If you don’t have the mobility or time to clean your gutters safely, hire a professional gutter cleaning company to help. The upfront cost is well worth the safety and peace of mind provided.

 Check Your Chimney and Furnace

When heating equipment like fireplaces and furnaces malfunction, fire damage is very likely. During the holiday season, your home and other structures are dry and brittle, upping the chance of a disaster. Be sure to add these steps to your holiday prep list:

• Change your air filters
• Clean and remove debris from vents and air ducts
• Replace smoke alarm and carbon monoxide detector batteries
• Order a professional furnace inspection
• Ensure your fireplace is safe for fires

The Premier Choice for Fire, Water, and Mold Damage Restoration

Here at UNGERMAN, we hope you and yours enjoy a warm and happy holiday season in the Twin Cities. As a family-owned company, we know how special this time of year is for homeowners. Unfortunately, disasters don’t take a break for the holidays. If your home or business is damaged by water, mold, or fire, we’re here to help. UNGERMAN provides full-service mitigation, restoration, reconstruction, and renovation. Our mission is to provide our clients with the highest quality of dependable services while carefully managing costs.

We will provide accurate estimates, clear communication, and efficient completion of necessary mitigation and repairs in order to complete projects successfully. Through this process, we will build a solid relationship between the customer, the insurance company, and UNGERMAN. If you need restoration, reconstruction, or renovation, please contact us today!